Non-Residential Structure Fires in 2000   [open pdf - 107KB]

"Non−residential structures are ubiquitous in American lives. We work, meet, learn, shop, dine, park cars, and store things in non−residential structures. A fire in a non−residential structure can impact a business, the economy of a city, an entire industry--not to mention the deaths and injuries that can result from such incidents. Based on data taken from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), non−residential structure fires account for only 8% of all fires in the United States, and only one-quarter of all fires that take place in structures; however, they are among the most costly of all fires. There were an estimated 126,000 non−residential structure fires in 2000, resulting in 90 fatalities, 2,200 injuries, and $2.8 billion in property loss."