SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1994
STP12954S

1983 to 1990 Fire Losses in Ontario: A Focus on Furnishings and Contents of Buildings as Ignition Sources and Items to First Ignite in Fires

Source

Fire loss statistics play a vital role in the identification of fire loss trends; in the legislative and standard development process; and in promoting the reduction of loss of life and property from fire. To fulfill the need for fire loss data, the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has been recording detailed information on all fires occurring in the province since 1983.

This study consists of an analysis of fire losses occurring in Ontario from 1983 to 1990 and focuses on furnishings and building contents as both ignition sources and as items to first ignite in fires. Property types targeted fall within a broad range of categories including places of assembly, institutional facilities, commercial establishments, and warehousing facilities; however, more emphasis is placed on residential properties which account for close to 70% of all structural fires and over 90% of all structural fire deaths. To better define the circumstances surrounding given incidents, some fires identified by object first ignited are further broken down by ignition source. In addition, several fire death scenarios are constructed for residential properties.

Findings reveal fire losses that could potentially be altered through public education, regulation, and the enhancement of fire and flammability properties of furnishings and building contents.

Author Information

Crawford, D
Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Prencipe, M
Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Details
Developed by Committee: E05
Pages: 125–149
DOI: 10.1520/STP12954S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5285-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1889-8