The Basis for Fire Prevention Week 1 Seminar

Objectives The fire problem in the United States and the reasons for its existence. The fire record of the United States compared with other countries. Organizations that have been instrumental in our nation’s fire prevention efforts. The effect that timing has on the adoption and enforcement, or lack of enforcement, of fire prevention regulations.

U.S. Fire Problem (1 of 3) The fire record of the United States historically, the worst in the western world two million fire calls a year Indirect costs loss of purchasing power impacts economy business interruption medical and housing costs psychological damage 2 million calls is the worst in the industrial world. America Burning and America at Risk both found this statistic to be true.

U.S. Fire Problem (2 of 3) Losses from all natural disasters in the United States is a fraction of the losses from fire. studies show the United States has always led all major industrialized countries in per capita deaths and property loss. Fire problems exist due to failure to adequately apply and fund loss reduction strategies.

U.S. Fire Problem (3 of 3) America Burning – 1973 America Burning Revisited – 1986 America at Risk – 2000 All contained nearly identical assessments

The History of Fire and Fire Prevention Humans “captured” fire around 500,000 B.C. It enabled early humans to expand their territory. The ability of humans to “make” fire was a significant development. Firing pottery and smelting metals were the beginnings of “industry.

Early Fire Prevention Efforts Familia Publica – Rome 300 B.C. Corps of Vigiles – Rome 24 B.C. Couvre feu – England 1066 Great London Fire – 1666 Fire insurance Formation of the London Fire Office Formation of a fire brigade

Fire in the American Colonies Jamestown, Virginia – 1608 Jamestown nearly abandoned as a result Boston, Massachusetts – nine serious fires before 1776 Law banning smoking outdoors – 1638 New Amsterdam – Rattle Watch

National Board of Fire Underwriters (1 of 2) Maintain uniform rates and commissions. Repress incendiarism and arson. Devise and give effect to measures to provide for common interests Funded rewards for the conviction of arson Developed guidelines for municipal water supplies and firefighting apparatus National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

National Board of Fire Underwriters (2 of 2) Underwriters Laboratories began as the Underwriters’ Electrical Bureau Developed the first model codes Developed the municipal grading system Created National Board pamphlets that later became NFPA standards

Factory Mutuals Organized by New England mill owners as “not-for-profit” insurance cooperatives Limited membership to best-run mills Lowered fire risks Required annual inspection Realized savings of more than 50% Formed an inspection branch

Fire Prevention (1 of 3) Government efforts are limited by public sentiment, since government officials are ultimately accountable to the voters. In the aftermath of a significant fire loss, the public may be willing, in fact eager, to allow increased government intrusion into their activities. This willingness fades over time.

Fire Prevention (2 of 3) The interest of the business community in fire prevention goes directly to the bottom line. Many people have looked down on this motive as coarse and perhaps even inhumane.

Fire Prevention (3 of 3) Some of the greatest successes in protecting property and saving lives have evolved from the efforts of businesses to protect their financial interests. Protecting property saves lives.

Summary Our national fire record has historically been one of the worst in the western world. The problem is not a new one. Our forefathers had the very same problem, perhaps to a greater degree.