The History of Fire in the U.S. How Tragedy Has Shaped Fire Prevention in the Fire Service

Three Major Reports in U.S. History America Burning (1973) America at Risk (2000) Fire in the U.S. (2001) The U.S. Fire Administration maintains the most current and comprehensive data on fires, though it generally a year or two behind. This is your best source for statistics.

The U.S. remains one of the worst countries in the Western World when it comes to fires. Why do you think this is the case?

Iroquois Theatre Fire (1903) 602 Killed – Deadliest theatre fire in U.S. history

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911) 146 dead – mainly women and immigrants

Cocoanut Grove Club Fire (1942) 492 dead

Our Lady of Angels Fire (1958) 92 children dead and 3 nuns

Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire (1977) 165 dead

MGM Grand Fire 85 dead – mostly from smoke inhalation

Imperial Foods Plant Fire (1991) 25 dead

Station Night Club Fire (2003) 100 dead

Consistent Themes in U.S. Fire History Exceeding occupancy limits Not enough exits Blocked/locked exits Other egress issues Lack of firewalls No sprinklers/alarms Limited extinguishers Flammable finishings No inspections or disregard Access by fire departments No source of communication Faulty ventilation systems

So How Do We Create Change? The answer is fairly simple. We must first: Continue to learn from our mistakes – we keep making the same ones over and over. Develop AND enforce more stricter building and occupancy codes. As inspectors, even at the company level we must take our jobs seriously and enforce the laws we are charged to do so.