FIRES IN CULTURAL RESOURCE PROPERTIES
Marty Ahrens March 2019
Acknowledgements
The National Fire Protection Association thanks all the fire departments and state fire
authorities who participate in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the
annual NFPA fire experience survey. These firefighters are the original sources of the
detailed data that make this analysis possible. Their contributions allow us to estimate the size
of the fire problem.
We are also grateful to the U.S. Fire Administration for its work in developing, coordinating,
and maintaining NFIRS.
To learn more about research at NFPA visit www.nfpa.org/research.
Copies of this report are available from:
NFPA Research, Data and Analytics Division
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
www.nfpa.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 617-984-7450
NFPA Index No. 2913
Copyright© 2019, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
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Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 1 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties
The tables in this analysis show the causes and circumstances of fires in or on structures in three
occupancy classes:
Places of worship or funeral properties,
Museums or art galleries, and
Libraries.
Most tables, with the exception of fires by year, show estimates of 2012-2016 annual averages.
Estimates were derived from the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting
System (NFIRS) and NFPA’s annual fire department experience survey and include proportional
shares of unknown or missing data.
Places of worship and funeral properties were identified by NFIRS property use codes 130-139,
museums or art galleries were identified by NFIRS property use code 152 and libraries were
identified by property use code 151. Structure fires were identified by NFIRS incident type codes
110-123.
What are “confined” and “non-confined” fires?
NFIRS 5.0 includes a category of structure fires collectively referred to as “confined fires,”
identified by incident type. These include confined cooking fires, confined chimney or flue
fires, confined trash fires, confined fuel burner or boiler fires, confined commercial
compactor fires, and confined incinerator fires (incident type 113-118). Losses are generally
minimal in these fires, which by definition, are assumed to have been limited to the object of
origin. Although causal data is not required for these fires, it is sometimes present. Confined
and non-confined fires were analyzed separately and then summed for cause of ignition,
heat source, factor contributing to ignition, area of origin, and item first ignited. Non-
confined fires were analyzed for equipment involved in ignition and relevant confined fire
incident types were grouped.
Additional information
Casualty and loss projections can be heavily influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of one unusually
serious fire. Except for trend tables, property damage has not been adjusted for inflation. Fires are
rounded to the nearest 10 for places of worship and funeral properties and to the nearest one
for the other two property classes. Civilian injuries, shown only for places of worship and
funeral properties, are rounded to the nearest one. Property damage was rounded to the
nearest million dollars for places of worship or funeral properties, to the nearest hundred
thousand dollars for museums or art galleries, and to the nearest thousand for libraries.
Percentages were calculated on unrounded estimates. Estimates of zero may be true zeros or
may have rounded to zero.
Please refer to “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” and
“Methodology and Definitions Used in “Leading Cause of Structure Fires Tables” for
explanatory details about the methods used.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 2 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
List of Tables
Table Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties Page
Table 1A. By Year 3
Table 2A. By Month 3
Table 3A. By Day of Week 4
Table 4A. By Time of Day 5
Table 5A. By Leading Cause 6
Table 6A. By Cause of Ignition 7
Table 7A. By Equipment Involved in Ignition 8
Table 8A. By Heat Source 9
Table 9A. By Factors Contributing to Ignition 11
Table 10A. By Area of Origin 13
Table 11A. By Item First Ignited 15
Table 12A. By Extent of Fire Spread 17
Table Structure Fires in Museums or Art Galleries Page
Table 1B. By Year 18
Table 2B. By Month 18
Table 3B. By Day of Week 19
Table 4B. By Time of Day 19
Table 5B. By Leading Cause 20
Table 6B. By Cause of Ignition 21
Table 7B. By Equipment Involved in Ignition 22
Table 8B. By Heat Source 23
Table 9B. By Factors Contributing to Ignition 25
Table 10B. By Area of Origin 27
Table 11B. By Item First Ignited 29
Table 12B. By Extent of Fire Spread 31
Table Structure Fires in Libraries Page
Table 1C. By Year 32
Table 2C. By Month 32
Table 3C. By Day of Week 33
Table 4C. By Time of Day 33
Table 5C. By Leading Cause 34
Table 6C. By Cause of Ignition 35
Table 7C. By Equipment Involved in Ignition 36
Table 8C. By Heat Source 37
Table 9C. By Factors Contributing to Ignition 39
Table 10C. By Area of Origin 41
Table 11C. By Item First Ignited 43
Table 12C. By Extent of Fire Spread 45
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 3 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 1A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Year
2012-2016
Year Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct Property Damage
(in Millions)
As Reported In 2016 Dollars
2012 1,750 34 $73 $77
2013 1,740 29 $129 $132
2014 1,790 11 $77 $78
2015 1,890 18 $106 $107
2016 1,750 25 $71 $71
Inflation adjustments were based on the Consumer Price Index Purchasing Power of the Dollar.
Source: NFIRS and NFPA’s Fire Experience Survey.
Table 2A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Month
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Month Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
January 160 (9%) 2 (8%) $6 (6%)
February 150 (9%) 2 (8%) $5 (6%)
March 170 (9%) 3 (15%) $8 (9%)
April 150 (8%) 0 (2%) $13 (14%)
May 140 (8%) 2 (8%) $4 (4%)
June 140 (8%) 0 (2%) $5 (5%)
July 150 (8%) 1 (4%) $18 (20%)
August 130 (7%) 1 (5%) $9 (10%)
September 130 (7%) 1 (2%) $5 (5%)
October 150 (8%) 3 (12%) $7 (7%)
November 150 (9%) 5 (21%) $5 (5%)
December 160 (9%) 3 (13%) $7 (8%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Monthly average 150 (8%) 2 (8%) $8 (8%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS and NFPA’s Fire Experience Survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 4 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 3A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Day of Week
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Day of Week Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Sunday 330 (19%) 5 (23%) $21 (23%)
Monday 200 (11%) 3 (11%) $8 (9%)
Tuesday 230 (13%) 2 (10%) $18 (20%)
Wednesday 250 (14%) 2 (8%) $13 (14%)
Thursday 240 (13%) 5 (19%) $9 (10%)
Friday 240 (13%) 3 (15%) $10 (11%)
Saturday 290 (16%) 3 (14%) $11 (13%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Daily average 250 (14%) 3 (14%) $13 (14%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 5 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 4A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Time of Day
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Time of Day Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Midnight- 12:59 a.m. 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
1:00-1:59 a.m. 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $7 (8%)
2:00-2:59 a.m. 30 (2%) 0 (2%) $5 (6%)
3:00-3:59 a.m. 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $6 (7%)
4:00-4:59 a.m. 40 (2%) 0 (2%) $5 (6%)
5:00-5:59 a.m. 30 (2%) 4 (15%) $5 (6%)
6:00-6:59 a.m. 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $5 (6%)
7:00-7:59 a.m. 60 (4%) 0 (0%) $1 (2%)
8:00-8:59 a.m. 90 (5%) 0 (2%) $2 (2%)
9:00-9:59 a.m. 120 (7%) 2 (8%) $2 (2%)
10:00-10:59 a.m. 120 (6%) 4 (19%) $2 (2%)
11:00-11:59 a.m. 120 (6%) 1 (6%) $1 (1%)
12:00-12:59 p.m. 100 (6%) 2 (10%) $2 (2%)
1:00-1:59 p.m. 90 (5%) 0 (2%) $1 (1%)
2:00-2:59 p.m. 90 (5%) 1 (4%) $12 (13%)
3:00-3:59 p.m. 90 (5%) 0 (2%) $3 (3%)
4:00-4:59 p.m. 100 (5%) 0 (2%) $2 (2%)
5:00-5:59 p.m. 110 (6%) 0 (2%) $3 (3%)
6:00-6:59 p.m. 100 (6%) 0 (2%) $3 (3%)
7:00-7:59 p.m. 90 (5%) 1 (2%) $6 (7%)
8:00-8:59 p.m. 70 (4%) 2 (8%) $2 (3%)
9:00-9:59 p.m. 60 (4%) 2 (10%) $6 (6%)
10:00-10:59 p.m. 50 (3%) 1 (4%) $3 (3%)
11:00-11:59 p.m. 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $4 (4%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Average by time of day 70 (4%) 1 (4%) $4 (4%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 6 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 5A.
Leading Causes of Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Leading Cause Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Cooking equipment 630 (36%) 7 (30%) $2 (2%)
Intentional 300 (17%) 3 (12%) $22 (24%)
Electrical distribution and
lighting equipment 280 (16%) 11 (48%) $16 (18%)
Heating equipment 240 (13%) 0 (2%) $7 (8%)
Fan or air conditioner 100 (5%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
Candles 60 (3%) 2 (9%) $3 (3%)
Exposure 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Electronic, office or
entertainment equipment 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $7 (7%)
Smoking materials 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Note: This table summarizes findings from multiple fields, meaning that the same fire may be
listed under multiple causes. The methodology used is described in “Methodology and Definitions
Used in “Leading Cause of Structure Fires Tables.”
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 7 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 6A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties
by Cause of Ignition (from NFIRS Cause Field)
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Cause of Ignition Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Unintentional 1,060 (59%) 19 (82%) $41 (45%)
Non-confined 450 (25%) 17 (70%) $41 (45%)
Confined 610 (34%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Failure of equipment or
heat source 300 (17%) 1 (3%) $14 (16%)
Non-confined 210 (12%) 1 (3%) $14 (15%)
Confined 90 (5%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Intentional 300 (17%) 3 (12%) $22 (24%)
Non-confined 180 (10%) 3 (12%) $22 (24%)
Confined 120 (7%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Act of nature 60 (4%) 1 (2%) $11 (12%)
Non-confined 60 (3%) 1 (2%) $11 (12%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified cause 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $2 (3%)
Non-confined 40 (3%) 0 (0%) $2 (3%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Non-confined 950 (53%) 21 (88%) $91 (100%)
Confined 840 (47%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident
type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129,
except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure
Fires” for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 8 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 7A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties
by Equipment Involved in Ignition, 2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns in Non-Confined Fires and Confined Cooking Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Equipment Involved Fires
Civilian
Injurie
Direct Property
Damage
(in Millions)
Cooking equipment 630 (36%) 7 (30%) $2 (2%)
Electrical distribution and lighting
equipment 280 (16%) 11 (48%) $16 (18%)
Heating equipment 240 (13%) 0 (2%) $7 (8%)
No equipment involved in ignition 210 (12%) 2 (8%) $48 (53%)
Contained trash or rubbish fire 140 (8%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fan 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
Air conditioner 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified equipment involved in
ignition 30 (1%) 0 (0%) $4 (4%)
Torch, burner or soldering iron 20 (1%) 1 (4%) $2 (2%)
Confined incinerator overload or
malfunction fire 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Clothes dryer 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Other known equipment involved in
ignition 90 (5%) 2 (8%) $7 (7%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Note: Non-confined fires in which the equipment involved in ignition was unknown or not reported have been
allocated proportionally among fires with known equipment involved. Fires in which the equipment involved in
ignition was entered as none but the heat source indicated equipment involvement or the heat source was
unknown were also treated as unknown and allocated proportionally among fires with known equipment
involved. Non-confined fires in which the equipment was partially unclassified (i.e., unclassified kitchen or
cooking equipment, unclassified heating, cooling or air condition equipment, etc.) were allocated proportionally
among fires in that grouping (kitchen or cooking equipment; heating, cooling or air conditioning equipment,
etc.). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 9 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 8A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Heat Source
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Heat Source Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Radiated or conducted heat from
operating equipment 280 (16%) 5 (22%) $4 (4%)
Non-confined 100 (6%) 2 (10%) $4 (4%)
Confined 180 (10%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified heat from powered
equipment 240 (14%) 4 (17%) $4 (5%)
Non-confined 110 (6%) 4 (17%) $4 (5%)
Confined 130 (7%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Arcing 210 (12%) 2 (7%) $11 (12%)
Non-confined 200 (11%) 2 (7%) $11 (12%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified heat source 180 (10%) 0 (0%) $6 (6%)
Non-confined 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $6 (6%)
Confined 120 (7%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified hot or smoldering object 140 (8%) 2 (10%) $11 (12%)
Non-confined 60 (3%) 2 (10%) $11 (12%)
Confined 80 (4%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Spark, ember or flame from operating
equipment 130 (7%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 80 (5%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Lighter 100 (6%) 2 (7%) $4 (5%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 2 (7%) $4 (5%)
Confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Hot ember or ash 80 (4%) 1 (3%) $2 (3%)
Non-confined 40 (2%) 1 (3%) $2 (3%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Heat from direct flame or convection
currents 60 (3%) 1 (3%) $4 (4%)
Non-confined 30 (1%) 1 (3%) $4 (4%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Candle 60 (3%) 2 (9%) $3 (3%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 2 (9%) $3 (3%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Match 50 (3%) 2 (9%) $4 (5%)
Non-confined 30 (1%) 2 (9%) $4 (5%)
Confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 10 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 8A. (Continued)
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Heat Source
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Heat Source Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Lightning 50 (3%) 1 (3%) $9 (10%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 1 (3%) $9 (10%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Smoking materials 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Flame or torch used for lighting 30 (2%) 1 (3%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 1 (3%) $1 (1%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Other known heat source 130 (7%) 2 (6%) $27 (29%)
Non-confined 90 (5%) 2 (6%) $27 (29%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Non-confined 950 (53%) 21 (88%) $91 (100%)
Confined 840 (47%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. The statistics on matches, lighters, smoking
materials and candles include a proportional share of fires in which the heat source was heat from an
unclassified open flame or smoking material. Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident type 113-118)
were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118).
See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 11 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 9A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties
by Factors Contributing to Ignition
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Factor Contributing Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Electrical failure or malfunction* 300 (17%) 3 (13%) $19 (21%)
Non-confined 290 (16%) 3 (13%) $19 (21%)
Confined 10 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Mechanical failure or
malfunction* 210 (12%) 0 (0%) $6 (6%)
Non-confined 90 (5%) 0 (0%) $6 (6%)
Confined 120 (7%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Heat source too close to
combustibles 170 (9%) 6 (26%) $26 (29%)
Non-confined 120 (7%) 6 (26%) $26 (29%)
Confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Abandoned or discarded material
or product 160 (9%) 0 (0%) $22 (24%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $22 (24%)
Confined 110 (6%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Equipment unattended 160 (9%) 1 (3%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 1 (3%) $0 (0%)
Confined 140 (8%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified factor contributed to
ignition 120 (7%) 2 (10%) $5 (5%)
Non-confined 70 (4%) 2 (10%) $5 (5%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified misuse of material or
product 120 (6%) 3 (13%) $2 (3%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 3 (13%) $2 (3%)
Confined 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Failure to clean 70 (4%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 60 (4%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Playing with heat source 70 (4%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
*Electrical failures or malfunctions and mechanical failures or malfunctions were summed from
NFIRS factors contributing to ignition codes 30-37 and 20-27, respectively.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 12 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 9A. (Continued)
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties
by Factors Contributing to Ignition
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Factor Contributing Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Exposure fire 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Storm 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $11 (12%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $11 (12%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unintentionally turned on or not turned off 50 (3%) 5 (21%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 2 (9%) $1 (1%)
Confined 30 (2%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Rekindle 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified operational deficiency 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Outside or open fire for debris or waste
disposal 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Equipment not being operated properly 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Other known factor contributing to ignition 210 (12%) 5 (20%) $16 (18%)
Non-confined 100 (6%) 5 (20%) $16 (18%)
Confined 110 (6%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total fires 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Non-confined 950 (53%) 21 (88%) $91 (100%)
Confined 840 (47%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Total factors** 1,860 (104%) 25 (107%) $116 (127%)
Non-confined 990 (56%) 22 (94%) $116 (127%)
Confined 870 (48%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
**Multiple entries are allowed which can result in sums higher than totals. Fires in which the factor contributing
to ignition was coded as “none,” unknown, or not reported have been allocated proportionally among fires with
known factor contributing to ignition. Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident type 113-118)
were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118).
See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 13 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 10A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Area of Origin
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Area of Origin Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Kitchen or cooking area 470 (26%) 6 (24%) $3 (3%)
Non-confined 70 (4%) 3 (12%) $3 (3%)
Confined 400 (22%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified outside area 100 (6%) 2 (6%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 2 (6%) $1 (1%)
Confined 80 (4%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Small assembly area with less
than 100 person capacity 80 (4%) 0 (2%) $4 (4%)
Non-confined 60 (4%) 0 (2%) $4 (4%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Heating equipment room 70 (4%) 1 (2%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 30 (1%) 1 (2%) $1 (1%)
Confined 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Attic or ceiling/roof assembly or
concealed space 70 (4%) 0 (2%) $10 (11%)
Non-confined 70 (4%) 0 (2%) $10 (11%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified area of origin 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Exterior wall surface 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $2 (3%)
Non-confined 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $2 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Lavatory, bathroom, locker room
or check room 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Large assembly area with fixed
seats 50 (3%) 4 (15%) $20 (22%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 4 (15%) $20 (22%)
Confined 10 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Exterior roof surface 50 (3%) 0 (2%) $4 (5%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 0 (2%) $4 (5%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Office 40 (2%) 1 (4%) $4 (4%)
Non-confined 40 (2%) 1 (4%) $4 (4%)
Confined 10 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 14 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 10A. (Continued)
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Area of Origin
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Area of Origin Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Large open room without fixed seats 40 (2%) 0 (2%) $4 (4%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 0 (2%) $4 (4%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Duct for HVAC, cable, exhaust, heating,
or air conditioning 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (1%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified storage area 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (2%)
Non-confined 30 (1%) 0 (0%) $1 (2%)
Confined 10 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Trash or rubbish chute, area or container 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified function area 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Storage room, area, tank, or bin 30 (2%) 0 (2%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 0 (2%) $1 (1%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Lobby or entrance way 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $3 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Wall assembly or concealed space 30 (2%) 1 (2%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 1 (2%) $1 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Other known area of origin 430 (24%) 9 (37%) $28 (30%)
Non-confined 280 (16%) 9 (37%) $28 (30%)
Confined 150 (9%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Non-confined 950 (53%) 21 (88%) $91 (100%)
Confined 840 (47%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires other than chimney or flue
fires (NFIRS incident type 113, and 115-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires
(incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home
Structure Fires” for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 15 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 11A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Item First Ignited
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were allocated proportionally)
Item First Ignited Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Cooking materials, including food 360 (20%) 1 (5%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 1 (5%) $0 (0%)
Confined 340 (19%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Electrical wire or cable insulation 150 (8%) 1 (5%) $2 (2%)
Non-confined 130 (7%) 1 (5%) $2 (2%)
Confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Rubbish, trash, or waste 120 (7%) 1 (3%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 1 (3%) $1 (1%)
Confined 100 (6%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified item first ignited 120 (7%) 0 (2%) $2 (3%)
Non-confined 50 (3%) 0 (2%) $2 (3%)
Confined 60 (4%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Structural member or framing 110 (6%) 0 (0%) $28 (31%)
Non-confined 100 (6%) 0 (0%) $28 (31%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Flammable or combustible liquids or
gases, piping or filter 100 (6%) 4 (18%) $5 (5%)
Non-confined 40 (2%) 4 (18%) $4 (5%)
Confined 60 (3%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Exterior wall covering or finish 70 (4%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
Non-confined 70 (4%) 0 (0%) $2 (2%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Magazine, newspaper, or writing paper 60 (3%) 1 (3%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 1 (3%) $1 (1%)
Confined 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Exterior roof covering or finish 60 (3%) 0 (2%) $24 (26%)
Non-confined 60 (3%) 0 (2%) $24 (26%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Box, carton, bag, basket, or barrel 50 (3%) 3 (15%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 20 (1%) 1 (3%) $0 (0%)
Confined 30 (2%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified organic materials 50 (3%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 10 (1%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 16 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 11A. (Continued)
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties, by Item First Ignited
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were allocated proportionally)
Item First Ignited Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Unclassified structural component or finish 40 (2%) 3 (11%) $3 (3%)
Non-confined 40 (2%) 3 (11%) $3 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Appliance housing or casing 40 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Multiple items first ignited 40 (2%) 1 (3%) $2 (2%)
Non-confined 30 (1%) 1 (3%) $2 (2%)
Confined 20 (1%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Interior wall covering, excluding drapes 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 30 (2%) 0 (0%) $1 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Other known item first ignited 380 (21%) 8 (34%) $20 (22%)
Non-confined 260 (15%) 8 (34%) $20 (22%)
Confined 120 (7%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Non-confined 950 (53%) 21 (88%) $91 (100%)
Confined 840 (47%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident type 113-118)
were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118).
See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 17 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 12A.
Reported Structure Fires in Places of Worship or Funeral Properties
by Extent of Fire Spread
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns in Non-Confined Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Extent of Fire Spread Fires
Civilian
Injuries
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Confined fire identified by
incident type 840 (47%) 3 (12%) $0 (0%)
Confined to object of origin 180 (10%) 1 (4%) $6 (7%)
Confined to room of origin 300 (17%) 10 (44%) $5 (6%)
Confined to floor of origin 70 (4%) 2 (8%) $7 (7%)
Confined to building of
origin 340 (19%) 7 (30%) $66 (72%)
Extended beyond building of
origin 50 (3%) 0 (2%) $7 (8%)
Total 1,780 (100%) 24 (100%) $91 (100%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 18 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 1B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
by Year: 2012-2016
Year Fires
Direct Property Damage
(in Millions)
As Reported In 2016 Dollars
2012 60 $0.9 $0.9
2013 70 $0.6 $0.6
2014 70 $1.1 $1.1
2015 50 $2.2 $2.3
2016 80 $2.7 $2.7
Inflation adjustments were based on the Consumer Price Index Purchasing
Power of the Dollar.
Source: NFIRS and NFPA’s Fire Experience Survey.
Table 2B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Month
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Month Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
January 6 (9%) $0.1 (6%)
February 5 (8%) $0.0 (1%)
March 5 (8%) $0.3 (18%)
April 6 (9%) $0.2 (12%)
May 5 (7%) $0.0 (1%)
June 7 (10%) $0.2 (10%)
July 6 (8%) $0.1 (4%)
August 5 (7%) $0.0 (2%)
September 3 (5%) $0.1 (6%)
October 6 (8%) $0.0 (1%)
November 8 (12%) $0.1 (7%)
December 5 (7%) $0.5 (30%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Average by month 6 (8%) $0.1 (8%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 19 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 3B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Day of Week
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Day of Week Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Sunday 8 (12%) $0.2 (11%)
Monday 9 (14%) $0.1 (9%)
Tuesday 8 (12%) $0.2 (16%)
Wednesday 8 (12%) $0.3 (21%)
Thursday 11 (16%) $0.2 (11%)
Friday 10 (16%) $0.2 (10%)
Saturday 12 (17%) $0.3 (22%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Average by day 10 (14%) $0.2 (14%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Table 4B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Time of Day
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Time of Day Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Midnight - 3 a.m. 3 (5%) $0.2 (12%)
3 - 6 a.m. 2 (3%) $0.0 (2%)
6 - 9 a.m. 9 (13%) $0.0 (1%)
9 a.m. - Noon 11 (17%) $0.2 (15%)
Noon - 3 p.m. 16 (25%) $0.3 (20%)
3 - 6 p.m. 11 (16%) $0.2 (16%)
6 - 9 p.m. 10 (15%) $0.3 (18%)
9 p.m. - midnight 4 (7%) $0.2 (15%)
Total 70 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Average by time of day 9 (13%) $0.2 (13%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 20 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 5B.
Leading Causes of Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Leading Cause Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Cooking equipment 21 (31%) $0.0 (3%)
Heating equipment 13 (20%) $0.4 (23%)
Smoking materials 11 (16%) $0.0 (0%)
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment 7 (10%) $0.0 (1%)
Intentional 4 (6%) $0.0 (2%)
Candles 3 (5%) $0.0 (0%)
Shop tools and industrial equipment
excluding torches, burners or soldering irons 3 (4%) $0.1 (5%)
Electronic, office or entertainment equipment 2 (3%) $0.7 (46%)
Note: This table summarizes findings from multiple fields, meaning that the same fire may be
listed under multiple causes. Estimates of fires involving electrical distribution or lighting
equipment or clothes dryers or washers exclude confined fires. The methodology used is
described in “Methodology and Definitions Used in “Leading Cause of Structure Fires Tables.”
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 21 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 6B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
by Cause of Ignition (from NFIRS Cause Field)
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Cause of Ignition Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Unintentional 41 (60%) $0.9 (60%)
Non-confined 16 (25%) $0.9 (59%)
Confined 24 (36%) $0.0 (1%)
Failure of equipment or heat
source 18 (27%) $0.3 (19%)
Non-confined 10 (15%) $0.3 (19%)
Confined 8 (12%) $0.0 (0%)
Intentional 4 (6%) $0.0 (2%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (2%)
Confined 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified cause 4 (5%) $0.3 (19%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.3 (19%)
Confined 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Act of nature 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Non-confined 30 (44%) $1.5 (99%)
Confined 37 (56%) $0.0 (1%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure
fires (NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-
confined structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118).
See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure
Fires” for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 22 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 7B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
by Equipment Involved in Ignition
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns in Non-Confined Fires and Confined Cooking Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Equipment Involved Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Cooking equipment 21 (31%) $0.0 (3%)
Heating equipment 13 (20%) $0.4 (23%)
Contained trash or rubbish fire 9 (14%) $0.0 (0%)
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment 7 (10%) $0.0 (1%)
No equipment involved in ignition 5 (7%) $0.2 (15%)
Elevator or lift 2 (4%) $0.1 (5%)
Unclassified equipment involved in ignition 2 (3%) $0.0 (0%)
Torch, burner or soldering iron 1 (2%) $0.0 (1%)
Fan 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Humidifier 1 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Unclassified power tools 1 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Extractor or waste recovery machine 1 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Industrial furnace or kiln 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Casting, molding, or forging equipment 1 (1%) $0.1 (4%)
Paper shredder 1 (1%) $0.5 (32%)
Refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer 1 (1%) $0.0 (3%)
Unclassified computer device 1 (1%) $0.2 (11%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Note: Non-confined fires in which the equipment involved in ignition was unknown or not reported
have been allocated proportionally among fires with known equipment involved. Fires in which the
equipment involved in ignition was entered as none but the heat source indicated equipment
involvement or the heat source was unknown were also treated as unknown and allocated
proportionally among fires with known equipment involved. Non-confined fires in which the
equipment was partially unclassified (i.e., unclassified kitchen or cooking equipment, unclassified
heating, cooling or air condition equipment, etc.) were allocated proportionally among fires in that
grouping (kitchen or cooking equipment; heating, cooling or air conditioning equipment, etc.). See
“How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 23 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 8B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires by Heat Source
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Heat Source Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions) Radiated or conducted heat
from operating equipment 14 (21%) $0.3 (17%)
Non-confined 4 (7%) $0.3 (17%)
Confined 10 (14%) $0.0 (0%)
Smoking materials 11 (16%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 10 (15%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified heat from
powered equipment 9 (13%) $0.1 (8%)
Non-confined 6 (9%) $0.1 (7%)
Confined 3 (4%) $0.0 (1%)
Arcing 5 (8%) $0.1 (4%)
Non-confined 5 (8%) $0.1 (4%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Spark, ember or flame from
operating equipment 5 (7%) $0.1 (10%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.1 (10%)
Confined 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Heat from direct flame or
convection currents 4 (5%) $0.3 (21%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.3 (21%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Candle 3 (5%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Incendiary device 3 (5%) $0.0 (2%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (2%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Flame or torch used for
lighting 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 2 (3%) $0.0 (0%)
Match 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 24 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 8B. (Continued)
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires by Heat Source
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Heat Source Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions) Unclassified heat
source 2 (2%) $0.2 (15%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $0.2 (15%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified hot or smoldering object 2 (2%) $0.0 (2%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $0.0 (2%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Flying brand, ember or spark 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Hot ember or ash 1 (2%) $0.1 (5%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.1 (5%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Other known heat source 3 (4%) $0.2 (16%)
Non-confined 3 (4%) $0.2 (16%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Non-confined 30 (44%) $1.5 (99%)
Confined 37 (56%) $0.0 (1%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. The statistics on matches,
lighters, smoking materials and candles include a proportional share of fires in which
the heat source was heat from an unclassified open flame or smoking material.
Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately
from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See
“How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for
details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 25 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 9B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
by Factor Contributing to Ignition, 2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Factor Contributing Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Heat source too close to combustibles 21 (32%) $0.3 (19%)
Non-confined 6 (9%) $0.3 (19%)
Confined 15 (22%) $0.0 (0%)
Mechanical failure or malfunction 12 (18%) $0.1 (7%)
Non-confined 4 (6%) $0.1 (7%)
Confined 7 (11%) $0.0 (1%)
Abandoned or discarded material or
product 10 (15%) $0.1 (6%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.1 (6%)
Confined 8 (12%) $0.0 (0%)
Cutting or welding too close to
combustibles 7 (11%) $0.4 (25%)
Non-confined 3 (5%) $0.4 (25%)
Confined 4 (6%) $0.0 (0%)
Electrical failure or malfunction 6 (9%) $0.0 (2%)
Non-confined 6 (9%) $0.0 (2%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Outside or open fire for debris or
waste disposal 4 (6%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 4 (6%) $0.0 (0%)
Equipment unattended 4 (6%) $0.0 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 3 (5%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified factor contributed to
ignition 2 (3%) $0.3 (17%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.3 (17%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
High wind 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified misuse of material or
product 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 26 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 9B. (Continued)
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
by Factor Contributing to Ignition, 2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Factor Contributing Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions) Other known factor contributing to
ignition 3 (5%) $0.3 (20%)
Non-confined 3 (5%) $0.3 (20%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Total fires 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Non-confined 30 (44%) $1.5 (99%)
Confined 37 (56%) $0.0 (1%)
Total factors* 72 (107%) $1.5 (100%)
Non-confined 31 (46%) $1.5 (99%)
Confined 41 (62%) $0 (1%)
* Multiple entries are allowed which can result in sums higher than totals.
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Fires in which the factor
contributing to ignition was coded as “none,” unknown, or not reported have been
allocated proportionally among fires with known factor contributing to ignition.
Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately
from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See
“How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for
details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 27 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 10B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Area of Origin
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Area of Origin Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions) Trash or rubbish chute, area or
container 9 (14%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 9 (14%) $0.0 (0%)
Kitchen or cooking area 9 (13%) $0.1 (6%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.1 (6%)
Confined 7 (10%) $0.0 (0%)
Art gallery, exhibit hall or library 6 (9%) $0.2 (11%)
Non-confined 4 (5%) $0.2 (11%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Duct for HVAC, cable, exhaust,
heating, or air conditioning 6 (9%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 4 (7%) $0.0 (0%)
Heating equipment room 5 (8%) $0.0 (2%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 4 (7%) $0.0 (1%)
Exterior wall surface 3 (5%) $0.0 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 2 (3%) $0.0 (0%)
Lavatory, bathroom, locker room
or check room 3 (5%) $0.0 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Processing or manufacturing area,
or workroom 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 2 (3%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified outside area 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Office 2 (3%) $0.2 (10%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.2 (10%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 28 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 10B. (Continued)
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Area of Origin
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Area of Origin Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Exterior roof surface 2 (3%) $0.0 (3%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.0 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified area of origin 2 (3%) $0.1 (9%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.1 (9%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Storage room, area, tank, or bin 2 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Machinery room or area or
elevator machinery room 2 (2%) $0.0 (1%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Attic or ceiling/roof assembly or
concealed space 1 (2%) $0.0 (3%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined chimney or flue fire 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Other known area of origin 9 (13%) $0.8 (53%)
Non-confined 9 (13%) $0.8 (53%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Non-confined 30 (44%) $1.5 (99%)
Confined 37 (56%) $0.0 (1%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires
(NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined
structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National
Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 29 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 11B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Item First Ignited
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Item First Ignited Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Rubbish, trash, or waste 25 (37%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 24 (35%) $0.0 (0%)
Flammable or combustible liquids
or gases, piping or filter 6 (9%) $0.0 (3%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $0.0 (3%)
Confined 4 (6%) $0.0 (0%)
Cooking materials, including food 5 (7%) $0.0 (1%)
Non-confined 0 (1%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 5 (7%) $0.0 (0%)
Electrical wire or cable insulation 5 (7%) $0.2 (12%)
Non-confined 5 (7%) $0.2 (12%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified item first ignited 4 (7%) $0.3 (19%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.3 (18%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (1%)
Structural member or framing 3 (4%) $0.3 (23%)
Non-confined 3 (4%) $0.3 (23%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Light vegetation, including grass 3 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (1%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 2 (4%) $0.0 (0%)
Unclassified structural component
or finish 2 (3%) $0.0 (1%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Magazine, newspaper, or writing
paper 2 (3%) $0.2 (13%)
Non-confined 2 (3%) $0.2 (13%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Exterior roof covering or finish 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 30 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 11B. (Continued)
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires, by Item First Ignited
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Item First Ignited Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Insulation within structural area 1 (2%) $0.4 (25%)
Non-confined 1 (2%) $0.4 (25%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Other known item first ignited 10 (14%) $0.0 (3%)
Non-confined 10 (14%) $0.0 (3%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0.0 (0%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Non-confined 30 (44%) $1.5 (99%)
Confined 37 (56%) $0.0 (1%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires
(NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined
structure fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National
Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 31 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 12B.
Reported Museum or Art Gallery Structure Fires
by Extent of Fire Spread
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns in Non-Confined Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Extent of Fire Spread Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Millions)
Confined fire identified by incident type 37 (56%) $0.0 (1%)
Confined to object of origin 9 (14%) $0.1 (4%)
Confined to room of origin 11 (16%) $0.3 (17%)
Confined to floor of origin 2 (3%) $0.1 (5%)
Confined to building of origin 6 (9%) $0.7 (47%)
Extended beyond building of origin 2 (3%) $0.4 (27%)
Total 67 (100%) $1.5 (100%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 32 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 1C.
Reported Library Structure Fires
by Year: 2012-2016
Year Fires
Direct Property Damage
(in Thousands)
As Reported In 2016 Dollars
2012 90 $229 $240
2013 110 $389 $400
2014 100 $140 $141
2015 120 $610 $617
2016 100 $42 $42
Inflation adjustments were based on the Consumer Price Index Purchasing
Power of the Dollar.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Table 2C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Month
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Month Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
January 12 (11%) $19 (7%)
February 11 (11%) $68 (24%)
March 9 (8%) $1 (0%)
April 12 (11%) $55 (19%)
May 6 (6%) $27 (10%)
June 7 (6%) $13 (5%)
July 11 (11%) $4 (2%)
August 8 (8%) $68 (24%)
September 4 (4%) $1 (0%)
October 12 (11%) $2 (1%)
November 6 (6%) $24 (8%)
December 7 (7%) $0 (0%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Average by month 9 (8%) $23 (8%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 33 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 3C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Day of Week
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Day of Week Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Sunday 9 (9%) $14 (5%)
Monday 19 (18%) $75 (27%)
Tuesday 14 (13%) $50 (18%)
Wednesday 18 (18%) $50 (18%)
Thursday 16 (15%) $67 (24%)
Friday 18 (17%) $7 (2%)
Saturday 11 (10%) $19 (7%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Average by day 15 (14%) $40 (14%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Table 4C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Time of Day
2012-2016 Annual Averages
Time of Day Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Midnight - 3 a.m. 4 (4%) $14 (5%)
3 - 6 a.m. 4 (4%) $67 (24%)
6 - 9 a.m. 9 (9%) $6 (2%)
9 a.m. - Noon 17 (16%) $24 (8%)
Noon - 3 p.m. 26 (25%) $89 (32%)
3 - 6 p.m. 25 (24%) $11 (4%)
6 - 9 p.m. 13 (13%) $21 (7%)
9 p.m. - midnight 5 (5%) $49 (17%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Average by time of day 13 (13%) $35 (13%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 34 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 5C.
Leading Causes of Reported Library Structure Fires
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Leading Cause Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Intentional 47 (45%) $96 (34%)
Cooking equipment 32 (30%) $4 (1%)
Smoking materials 21 (20%) $67 (24%)
Playing with heat source 16 (15%) $7 (3%)
Heating equipment 14 (13%) $5 (2%)
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment 11 (11%) $2 (1%)
Fan or air conditioner 3 (3%) $4 (1%)
Shop tools and industrial equipment excluding
torches, burners or soldering irons 2 (2%) $3 (1%)
Exposure 2 (2%) $67 (24%)
Note: This table summarizes findings from multiple fields, meaning that the same fire
may be listed under multiple causes. Estimates of fires involving electrical distribution and
lighting equipment, clothes dryers or washers, and fans or air conditioners, exclude
confined fires. The methodology used is described in “Methodology and Definitions Used
in “Leading Cause of Structure Fires Tables.”
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 35 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 6C.
Cause of Ignition in Reported Library Structure Fires
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Cause of Ignition Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Intentional 47 (45%) $96 (34%)
Non-confined 12 (12%) $90 (32%)
Confined 35 (34%) $6 (2%)
Unintentional 35 (33%) $87 (31%)
Non-confined 10 (9%) $87 (31%)
Confined 25 (24%) $0 (0%)
Failure of equipment or heat source 15 (14%) $9 (3%)
Non-confined 9 (8%) $6 (2%)
Confined 6 (6%) $3 (1%)
Unclassified cause 7 (6%) $71 (25%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $71 (25%)
Confined 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
Act of nature 1 (1%) $18 (7%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $18 (7%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Non-confined 33 (31%) $273 (97%)
Confined 72 (69%) $9 (3%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires
(NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined structure
fires (incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates
Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 36 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 7C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Equipment Involved in Ignition
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns Non-Confined Fires and Confined Cooking Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Equipment Involved Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Cooking equipment 32 (30%) $4 (1%)
Contained trash or rubbish fire 30 (29%) $3 (1%)
Heating equipment 14 (13%) $5 (2%)
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment 11 (11%) $2 (1%)
No equipment involved in ignition 6 (6%) $218 (77%)
Air conditioner 2 (2%) $4 (1%)
Computer storage device: external 1 (1%) $2 (1%)
Unclassified equipment involved in ignition 1 (1%) $34 (12%)
Humidifier 1 (1%) $2 (1%)
Fan 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Wet/dry vacuum or shop vacuum 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Separate motor 1 (1%) $3 (1%)
Water fountain or water cooler 1 (1%) $1 (0%)
Vacuum cleaner 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Torch, burner or soldering iron 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Lawn mower 1 (1%) $6 (2%)
Cigarette or pipe lighter* 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Air compressor 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
*Cigarette lighters are more commonly collected in the data element for heat source.
Note: Non-confined fires in which the equipment involved in ignition was unknown or not
reported have been allocated proportionally among fires with known equipment involved. Fires in
which the equipment involved in ignition was entered as none but the heat source indicated
equipment involvement or the heat source was unknown were also treated as unknown and
allocated proportionally among fires with known equipment involved. Non-confined fires in which
the equipment was partially unclassified (i.e., unclassified kitchen or cooking equipment,
unclassified heating, cooling or air condition equipment, etc.) were allocated proportionally among
fires in that grouping (kitchen or cooking equipment; heating, cooling or air conditioning
equipment, etc.). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires”
for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 37 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 8C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Heat Source
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Heat Source Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Smoking materials 21 (20%) $67 (24%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $66 (23%)
Confined 19 (19%) $1 (0%)
Match 18 (17%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 17 (16%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified heat from powered
equipment 13 (12%) $10 (3%)
Non-confined 5 (5%) $10 (3%)
Confined 8 (7%) $0 (0%)
Lighter 10 (10%) $6 (2%)
Non-confined 6 (6%) $6 (2%)
Confined 4 (4%) $0 (0%)
Radiated or conducted heat from
operating equipment 9 (9%) $25 (9%)
Non-confined 3 (3%) $25 (9%)
Confined 6 (6%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified hot or smoldering
object 7 (7%) $8 (3%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 6 (6%) $7 (3%)
Heat from direct flame or
convection currents 5 (5%) $59 (21%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $59 (21%)
Confined 4 (4%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified heat source 5 (5%) $44 (16%)
Non-confined 3 (3%) $44 (16%)
Confined 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Hot ember or ash 5 (5%) $1 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $1 (1%)
Confined 4 (4%) $0 (0%)
Arcing 5 (5%) $2 (1%)
Non-confined 5 (5%) $2 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 38 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 8C. (Continued)
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Heat Source
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Heat Source Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Molten or hot material 3 (3%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Spark, ember or flame from
operating equipment 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Other known heat source 2 (2%) $59 (21%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $59 (21%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Non-confined 33 (31%) $273 (97%)
Confined 72 (69%) $9 (3%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. The statistics on
matches, lighters, smoking materials and candles include a proportional
share of fires in which the heat source was heat from an unclassified open
flame or smoking material. Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident type
113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires
(incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National
Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the
methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 39 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 9C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Factor Contributing to Ignition
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Factor Contributing Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Abandoned or discarded material or product 32 (31%) $65 (23%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $65 (23%)
Confined 30 (29%) $0 (0%)
Playing with heat source 16 (15%) $7 (3%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $2 (1%)
Confined 14 (13%) $6 (2%)
Electrical failure or malfunction 14 (13%) $19 (7%)
Non-confined 11 (11%) $17 (6%)
Confined 3 (3%) $3 (1%)
Unclassified misuse of material or product 14 (13%) $37 (13%)
Non-confined 3 (3%) $37 (13%)
Confined 11 (11%) $0 (0%)
Heat source too close to combustibles 12 (12%) $4 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $4 (1%)
Confined 11 (11%) $0 (0%)
Equipment unattended 7 (7%) $4 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $4 (1%)
Confined 6 (5%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified factor contributed to ignition 7 (6%) $71 (25%)
Non-confined 4 (4%) $71 (25%)
Confined 3 (3%) $0 (0%)
Mechanical failure or malfunction 6 (6%) $2 (1%)
Non-confined 3 (3%) $2 (1%)
Confined 3 (3%) $0 (0%)
Exposure fire 2 (2%) $67 (24%)
Non-confined 2 (2%) $67 (24%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 40 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 9C. (Continued)
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Factor Contributing to Ignition
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Factor Contributing Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Other known factor contributing to ignition 4 (4%) $7 (2%)
Non-confined 4 (4%) $7 (2%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Total fires 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Non-confined 33 (31%) $273 (97%)
Confined 72 (69%) $9 (3%)
Total factors* 114 (109%) $283 (101%)
Non-confined 34 (32%) $275 (98%)
Confined 80 (77%) $9 (3%)
*Multiple entries are allowed which can result in sums higher than totals.
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Non-confined structure fires in which the
factor contributing to ignition was coded as “none,” unknown, or not reported have been allocated
proportionally among fires with known factor contributing to ignition. Confined structure fires
(NFIRS incident type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires
(incident type 110-129, except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated
for Home Structure Fires” for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 41 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 10C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Area of Origin
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Area of Origin Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Lavatory, bathroom, locker room or check room 23 (22%) $28 (10%)
Non-confined 6 (6%) $28 (10%)
Confined 17 (16%) $0 (0%)
Trash or rubbish chute, area or container 10 (10%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 10 (9%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified outside area 10 (10%) $6 (2%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 10 (10%) $6 (2%)
Kitchen or cooking area 7 (7%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 6 (6%) $0 (0%)
Heating equipment room 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
Lawn, field, or open area 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
On or near highway, public way, or street 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 5 (5%) $0 (0%)
Courtyard, terrace, or patio 3 (3%) $13 (5%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $13 (5%)
Confined 3 (2%) $0 (0%)
Art gallery, exhibit hall, or library 3 (3%) $2 (1%)
Non-confined 3 (3%) $2 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 42 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 10C. (Continued)
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Area of Origin
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Area of Origin Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Lobby or entrance way 3 (3%) $50 (18%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $50 (18%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified area of origin 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Office 2 (2%) $3 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 1 (1%) $3 (1%)
Hallway, corridor, or mall 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Crawl space or substructure space 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Other known area of origin 21 (20%) $177 (63%)
Non-confined 17 (16%) $177 (63%)
Confined 4 (4%) $0 (0%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Non-confined 33 (31%) $273 (97%)
Confined 72 (69%) $9 (3%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are
Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 43 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 11C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Item First Ignited
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Item First Ignited Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Rubbish, trash, or waste 38 (36%) $50 (18%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $50 (18%)
Confined 36 (35%) $0 (0%)
Cooking materials, including food 9 (9%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 9 (9%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified item first ignited 8 (7%) $30 (11%)
Non-confined 3 (3%) $23 (8%)
Confined 4 (4%) $7 (3%)
Electrical wire or cable insulation 7 (7%) $4 (1%)
Non-confined 7 (7%) $4 (1%)
Confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Magazine, newspaper, or writing paper 7 (7%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 6 (6%) $0 (0%)
Book 7 (6%) $62 (22%)
Non-confined 4 (4%) $62 (22%)
Confined 3 (3%) $0 (0%)
Multiple items first ignited 4 (3%) $1 (0%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Confined 3 (3%) $1 (0%)
Rolled or wound material 3 (3%) $4 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $4 (1%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Flammable or combustible liquids or gases, piping or filter 3 (3%) $3 (1%)
Non-confined 1 (1%) $3 (1%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Clothing 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 44 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 11C. (Continued)
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Item First Ignited
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns were Allocated Proportionally)
Item First Ignited Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Conveyor belt, drive belt, or V-belt 2 (2%) $0 (0%)
Non-confined 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Confined 1 (1%) $0 (0%)
Other known item first ignited 16 (15%) $128 (45%)
Non-confined 11 (11%) $128 (45%)
Confined 4 (4%) $0 (0%)
Total 105 (100%) $282 (100%)
Non-confined 33 (31%) $273 (97%)
Confined 72 (69%) $9 (3%)
,
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined structure fires (NFIRS incident
type 113-118) were analyzed separately from non-confined structure fires (incident type 110-129,
except 113-118). See “How NFPA’s National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires”
for details about the methodology used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.
Fires in Cultural Resource Properties, 3/19 45 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA
Table 12C.
Reported Library Structure Fires, by Extent of Fire Spread
2012-2016 Annual Averages
(Unknowns in Non-Confined Fires were Allocated Proportionally)
Extent of Fire Spread Fires
Direct
Property Damage
(in Thousands)
Confined fire identified by incident type 72 (69%) $9 (1%)
Confined to object of origin 15 (14%) $0 (0%)
Confined to room of origin 13 (12%) $229 (17%)
Confined to floor of origin 2 (2%) $389 (28%)
Confined to building of origin 2 (2%) $140 (10%)
Extended beyond building of origin 1 (1%) $610 (44%)
Total 105 (100%) $1,376 (100%)
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. See “How NFPA’s National
Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires” for details about the methodology
used.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s fire experience survey.