No one can argue that fires are a massive risk for commercial properties, but not everyone understands just how dangerous and damaging fires can be. Let’s take a closer look at some alarming facts and figures that every business owner should be aware of to keep their properties safe and develop better fire safety solutions.
The Destructive Consequences of Commercial Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), local fire departments responded to approximately 1.39 million fires throughout the U.S. in 2023, with the total property damage estimated at $23 billion. Non-residential structure fires accounted for an estimated 8% of these calls, with nearly 120,000 fires that year.
That’s a staggering number, especially when you consider the hefty price tag of just the property loss alone. However, this figure becomes even more eye-opening when you consider which commercial properties are prone to fires.
Restaurants and buildings with cooking equipment were responsible for many incidents; 33,300 fires and over $50 million in damage were recorded in nonresidential building cooking fires.
Other causes of fire, like faulty wiring or heating equipment failures, are still a significant issue for many businesses. The only way to ensure you don’t become a statistic is to make sure you’re prepared for anything.
The Right Safety Equipment Goes a Long Way
Fire sprinkler systems are among the most effective ways to mitigate the risks of commercial fires. They detect both heat and smoke, activating automatically to prevent flames from spreading. According to the NFPA, sprinklers operated in 92% of structural fires and effectively controlled the blaze in 97% of situations between 2017 and 2021.
Fire extinguishers are just as vital for a holistic fire safety plan. While they aren’t necessarily the best for dealing with major fires, they’re ideal for managing small fires and containing them before they get out of control.
Although every commercial property in New Jersey is legally required to have at least one fire extinguisher on the premises, the efficacy of these tools is contingent on how well they’re maintained.
The best way to keep your fire extinguishers operating at peak capacity is to schedule a fire extinguisher inspection in NJ. Having a professional assess your extinguisher is the only way to guarantee that it will do its job when you need it most.
What Business Owners Should Do With This Information
Business owners are responsible for safeguarding their employees, customers, and assets, including the business itself.
If these statistics have opened your eyes to the devastating potential of commercial fires, the first thing you should do is reevaluate your current fire mitigation and protection strategies. Make sure you have the right amount of fire extinguishers and sprinklers, and install them in critical areas that are most likely to experience fires.
If you already have sufficient protection, ensure that it’s up to code by arranging an inspection. Even the best equipment will be no help if your employees don’t know how to use it. Implement training programs to confirm that your staff knows how to use a fire extinguisher properly and understands any fire safety protocols you have in place.
Ignoring Fire Safety Comes at a Price You Don’t Want to Pay
The numbers are hard to ignore, but the reality is that fires can take away a lot more than just money. Don’t ignore the risk of commercial fires — give your employees and business a fighting chance by investing in quality fire safety measures.
If you aren’t sure where to start, ABC Fire & Safety is here to help. We provide professional services specifically for commercial properties, including installing fire sprinkler systems or a new fire extinguisher in New Jersey businesses.
Contact us today to learn more or set up a service appointment with one of our knowledgeable fire safety professionals.
