Structure fire

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (September 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

A structure fire is a fire involving the structural components of various types of residential, commercial or industrial buildings, such as barn fires. Residential buildings range from single-family detached homes and townhouses to apartments and tower blocks, or various commercial buildings ranging from offices to shopping malls. This is in contrast to "room and contents" fires, chimney fires, vehicle fires, wildfires or other outdoor fires.

Structure fires typically have a similar response from the fire department that include engines, ladder trucks, rescue squads, chief officers, and an EMS unit, each of which will have specific initial assignments. The actual response and assignments will vary between fire departments.

It is not unusual for some fire departments to have a predetermined mobilization plan for when a fire incident is reported in certain structures in their area. This plan may include mobilizing the nearest aerial firefighting vehicle to a tower block, or a foam-carrying vehicle to structures known to contain certain hazardous chemicals.

In the United States, according to NFPA, structures are divided into five construction types based on the severity of the fire hazard:

• 
  Remains of a structure fire on Cotton Avenue, Macon, Georgia, US. c. 1876
• 
  A burned house

The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this section, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new section, as appropriate. (August 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

In a recent study, conducted by American Survey CO, for the period of 2005–2010, the causes of house fires across America were as follows:

• Appliances and electrical (stoves, microwaves, toasters, radiators, various heating systems, small appliances) - approximately 47%
• Gas leaks - around 5-7%
• Open flames (candles, fireplaces) - approximately 32%
• Children playing with matches - Around 10%
• Spreading of fires from house to house - approximately 3%

• Fire extinguisher
• Firefighting
• Fire prevention

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Burning buildings.

• National Fire Protection Association (US)
• NFPA Research
• Haung, Kai. 2009. Population and Building Factors That Impact Residential Fire Rates in Large U.S. Cities. Applied Research Project. Texas State University. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/287/ Archived 2012-03-08 at the Wayback Machine