NFPA Journal - November/December 2013 - (Page 59)

What we can learn The number of large-loss fires in 2012 was the same as in 2011, but the associated property losses increased by more than $585 million, or 71.4 percent. This is mostly due to a single incident, the $400 million submarine fire (in the category of "vehicle fires") in Maine. By comparison, the largest vehicle fire in 2011 resulted in a $10 million loss. In eight of the past 10 years, at least one fire has resulted in a loss of more than $100 million. In 2012 there were three such fires: the submarine fire and two wildland fires. Over the past 10 years, there have been 22 fires with more than $100 million in losses, including two with more than $1 billion in losses. Of these largest losses, 11 were wildland fires, nine were structure fires, and two were vehicle fires. Adhering to the fire protection principles reflected in NFPA's codes and standards is essential if we are to reduce the occurrence of large-loss fires and explosions in the United States. Proper construction, proper use of equipment, and proper procedures in chemical processes, storage, and housekeeping will make fires less likely to occur and help limit fire spread should a fire occur. Proper design, maintenance, and operation of fire protection systems and features can keep a fire that does occur from becoming a large-loss fire. Where we get our data NFPA identifies potential large-loss incidents by reviewing national and local news media, including fire service publications. A clipping service reads all U.S. daily newspapers and notifies NFPA's Fire Analysis and Research Division of major large-loss fires. NFPA's annual survey of the U.S. fire experience is an additional data source, although not the principal one. Once a fire has been identified, we request information about it from the fire department or agency having jurisdiction. We also contact federal agencies that have participated in investigations, as well as state fire marshals' offices and military sources. The diversity and redundancy of these data sources enable NFPA to collect the most complete data available on large-loss fires. Acknowledgments NFPA would like to thank the U.S. fire service for its contributions of data, without which this report would not be possible. In some cases, the fire department, forestry officials, or government officials were unable to contribute complete details to NFPA because legal action is pending or ongoing, the incident was of a sensitive nature, the size of the situation was overwhelming, or there was no response from officials. The author also wishes to thank Norma Candeloro and the staff of the Fire Analysis and Research Division for providing the support this study requires. StePheN G. BAdGeR is a fire data assistant in NFPA's Fire Analysis and Research Division and a retired firefighter from the Quincy, Massachusetts, Fire Department. Photograph: AP/Wide World Contributing Factors At the time of the fire, the temperature was 102 degrees F (39 degrees C), winds were 5 to 10 mph (8 to 16 kph), and relative humidity was 18 percent. The fire destroyed five three-story apartment buildings in various stages of construction, as well as four garage buildings, and damaged two occupied three-story buildings. A sprinkler system in a nearby occupied building activated when the fire caused a window to break and ignited that building. Missouri Date, Time of Alarm, Dollar Loss May, 5:11 a.m., $10 million Property Characteristics and operating status This was a four-story, 145,000-square-foot (13,471-squaremeter), 73-unit apartment building that was under construction. Only a security person was on site at the time of the fire. Fire Protection systems No information reported. Fire Development The cause is under investigation. Contributing Factors The building was heavily involved in fire upon arrival of firefighters. A defensive attack was initiated. There was heat damage to several nearby buildings. VEHiCLE FirE MAinE Date, Time of Alarm, Dollar Loss May, 5:40 p.m., $400 million Property Characteristics and operating status This was a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine that was undergoing rehabilitation in dry dock with all operating systems off. The submarine was almost 362 feet (110 meters) long and nearly 33 feet (10 meters) wide. There were 50 shipyard employees and crew members working on board the vessel at the time of the fire. Fire Protection systems No information was reported. Fire Development A lighter was used to ignite a bag of cotton rags in a state room in the submarine's forward compartment. Contributing Factors This was the first and largest of two arson fires associated with this incident, and occurred on board the submarine. Crew members, shipyard firefighters, and fire departments from a number of surrounding communities fought this fire for 12 hours before it was finally extinguished. There were five injuries to personnel who fought this blaze. About three weeks later, a civilian employee of the shipyard was arrested after he was caught lighting the second fire outside the submarine. He pled guilty to two counts of arson. He was sentenced to 205 months in prison and ordered to pay $400 million in restitution. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 NFPA JOURNAL 59

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NFPA Journal - November/December 2013