NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 4

Contents
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 * Vol. 114 | No. 6

Features

Dispatches
page /

24

page /

12

Vanishing Act A new report sheds light on
why volunteer fire departments struggle to
retain members. By Angelo Verzoni

Ecosystem Watch Recent incidents
through the lens of the NFPA Fire & Life
Safety Ecosystem. 15
Diverse Cast Big-city fire chiefs voice
support for diversity. 16
Oddities Recent head-scratchers from the
world of fire and life safety. 17

International The Beirut blast measured;
quantifying the facade fire problem. 18

Wide Shot After a historic explosion, the
beleaguered city of Beirut suffers a series of
major fires. 20

Briefs Faces of Fire electrical; wildfire
smoke and dialysis; the fifth Fire Service
Needs Assessment survey; and more. 22

By Jesse Roman, Angelo Verzoni, and Scott Sutherland

Perspectives
page /

42	|	NFPA Research

Large-Loss Fires and Explosions in 2019 Report

The 26 large-loss incidents in the US in 2019-led by a $1.1 billion loss at a Texas chemical
facility-was a significant reduction compared to the year before.
By Stephen Badger

54	|	Codes & Standards

Early Warning

A string of recent and devastating gas explosions has underscored the inherent dangers of
essential commodities like propane and natural gas. A new NFPA standard on gas detection
and warning equipment aims to fill a critical safety need.

60

Safe Refuge
A new nonprofit aims to reduce the fire risk
for the millions of people globally who live
in refugee camps and informal settlements,
where fire is an ever-present threat.
By Angelo Verzoni

By Angelo Verzoni

72	|	NFPA Research

US Firefighter Injuries in 2019 Report
Last year, nearly 69,000 firefighters were injured in the line of duty-a slight uptick over
2018, but still one of the lowest totals since NFPA began collecting data.

By Ben Evarts and Richard Campbell

06	|	 First Word By Jim Pauley
08	|	Editor's Note By Scott Sutherland
10	|	Feedback Readers respond.

ON THE COVER AND TOP OF PAGE: GETT Y IMAGES

Cover Story
 ur Intensifying Wildfire Crisis
O
The historic 2020 wildfire season didn't happen in a vacuum-accelerating climate change,
shortsighted land-use and development policies, and problematic fire management practices
have all contributed. Reversing course will depend, in part, on acknowledging five hard truths.

4 | NFPA JOURNAL * N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0

TOC NOV DEC 2020 DCS FINAL 10.30.20.indd 4

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NFPA Journal - November/December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NFPA Journal - November/December 2020

Contents
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - Cover1
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - Cover2
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 1
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 2
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 3
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - Contents
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 5
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 6
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 7
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 8
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 9
NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - 10
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NFPA Journal - November/December 2020 - Cover3
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