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The Critical Importance of Fire Safety in Construction Sites – January 2025

Writer: Tim SpearsTim Spears
Feb 197 min read


Construction sites present unique fire risks due to the presence of flammable materials, temporary electrical systems, and ongoing hot work activities. Fires at these sites can result in significant financial loss, construction delays, and, in some cases, threats to surrounding buildings and communities. Understanding fire safety in construction is essential to mitigating these risks and ensuring a safer built environment.


Below, we highlight recent fire incidents at construction sites worldwide, underscoring the need for stringent fire prevention measures.


Construction Fire Incidents


Fire at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Rainforest Exhibit


Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s RainForest exhibit, which was undergoing extensive renovations. The fire started when workers using a torch to cut metal accidentally ignited vegetation on the exterior of the building, spreading to the roofing. The fire caused minimal exterior damage, and no staff or animals were injured. The zoo remained on schedule to open normally the next day.


Link to original article: WKBN News


Fire in Sauna at Under-Construction Business in Peoria


Location: Peoria, Illinois, USA


Summary: Peoria fire crews responded to a fire at the under-construction Titan Fitness facility on Townline Road. The fire, originating from a sauna in the bathroom, spread into the ceiling voids, causing significant damage. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in about 15 minutes. No injuries were reported, and damage was estimated at $200,000. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.


Link to original article: WMBD Radio


Explosion and Fire at Chapelton Housing Construction Site


Location: Chapelton, Aberdeenshire, Scotland


Summary: A large explosion and subsequent fire broke out at a housing construction site in Chapelton. A newly built home caught fire, leading to the roof’s collapse before firefighters arrived. Multiple fire crews were deployed to control the fire. No injuries were reported, but the damage was significant, particularly affecting homes under construction. Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading further. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.


Link to original article: The Press and Journal


Business Under Construction Catches Fire in Columbus Grove


Location: Columbus Grove, Ohio, USA


Summary: A business under construction on North High Street caught fire in the morning, prompting a response from multiple fire departments. The fire was determined to be electrical in nature. While the structure sustained moderate damage, there was also light smoke damage to nearby buildings. No one was inside at the time, and no injuries were reported. The total cost of damages has not been estimated.


Link to original article: Hometown Stations


Massive Fire Destroys Under-Construction Apartment Building in Cleveland Heights


Location: Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA


Summary: A fire engulfed a newly constructed apartment complex in Cleveland Heights, taking more than 24 hours to fully contain. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to lightweight building materials and the inactive sprinkler system, which had not yet been put into service. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported, but the complex, which was set to welcome new residents in the summer, was declared a total loss. Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding homes and businesses.


Link to original article: NewsBreak


Home Under Construction in Northeast Philadelphia Destroyed by Fire


Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at a three-story home under construction on Pheasant Hill Drive, rapidly consuming the structure and leading to its total collapse. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames spreading throughout the building, bringing the fire under control in about an hour. The cause of the fire has not been determined. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: 6abc Philadelphia


Fire Damages Home Under Construction in Valhalla


Location: Valhalla, New York, USA


Summary: A fire damaged a home under construction on Rutledge Road in Valhalla. The homeowner, who was preparing to move in with their family, reported significant fire damage to the structure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: News12 Westchester


Major Fire Breaks Out at Under-Construction High-Rise in Hyderabad


Location: Hyderabad, India


Summary: A major fire erupted at an under-construction multi-storied building in Kokapet, Hyderabad. Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit during construction activities may have triggered the fire. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from a distance, causing alarm among residents. Construction workers at the site promptly alerted authorities, allowing firefighters to respond quickly. No casualties were reported.


Link to original article: Munsif Daily


Investigation Underway into Baltimore Peninsula Townhome Fire


Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA


Summary: A four-story townhome under construction in Baltimore Peninsula caught fire on Monday morning. The construction crew safely evacuated, and firefighters brought the fire under control by 11:15 a.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: WMAR News


Ogden Apartment Building Fire—Third in Four Years in the City


Location: Ogden, Utah, USA


Summary: A fire at an apartment building under construction in Ogden marks the third such incident in four years in the city. The blaze consumed the structure on 22nd between Grant and Lincoln Ave. Previous similar fires destroyed other apartment buildings in 2021 and 2022. Investigators suggest possible causes such as construction heaters, equipment sparks, or trespassing. No injuries were reported. The city has fire safety measures in place, but state statutes limit additional security requirements.


Link to original article: KMYU News


House Fire in Camas Destroys Home Under Construction, Threatens Nearby Forest


Location: Camas, Washington, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at a 12,000-square-foot home under construction on Northeast Livingston Mountain Circle in Camas. Strong winds spread embers, igniting vegetation and creating spot fires up to 1,500 feet away. Fire crews used water tenders due to the nearest hydrant being over six miles away. They managed to save nearby homes and contain the blaze within 30 minutes. No injuries were reported. The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause.


Link to original article: KPTV News


Partial Roof Collapse at Brandon Mall Construction Site Fire


Location: Brandon, Florida, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at a section of Sears under construction at the Brandon Mall. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded around 5:30 p.m., and crews controlled the fire within 40 minutes. A partial roof collapse occurred, but no injuries were reported. The Sears area was evacuated as a precaution. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.


Link to original article: FOX 13 Tampa Bay


Steeple Collapses in Fire at Providence Church During Roof Repairs


Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA


Summary: A fire broke out at IMPACT Church on Elmwood Avenue while construction workers were making final roof repairs. The lead pastor stated that a worker applied heat to the wrong area, igniting the roof. Nearly 50 firefighters responded, facing challenges from high winds and the building's structure. The church’s steeple collapsed during the fire. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.


Link to original article: NBC 10 News


Fire at Unoccupied Home Under Construction in Fraser


Location: Fraser, Colorado, USA


Summary: A fire broke out in an unoccupied home under construction on Hay Meadow Drive in Fraser. The structure was part of a four-townhome development. East Grand Fire Protection District, assisted by Grand Fire, quickly contained the fire in 15 minutes. The fire-resistant walls between units prevented the spread, limiting damage to one townhome. Investigators from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control are determining the cause. No injuries were reported.


Link to original article: SkyHi News


Fire Prevention Strategies for Construction Sites


To minimize fire risks at construction sites, the following strategies should be implemented:


  1. Hot Work Safety: Activities such as welding, cutting, and grinding should follow strict safety protocols, including fire watch personnel and fire-resistant blankets.

  2. Proper Storage of Flammable Materials: Keeping flammable liquids and gases in approved containers and designated areas can reduce fire hazards.

  3. Temporary Fire Protection Systems: Installing temporary fire detection and suppression systems can mitigate fire spread during construction.

  4. Electrical Safety: Regular inspections of temporary electrical systems can help identify and rectify potential hazards.

  5. Security Measures: Construction sites should be secured to prevent unauthorized access and potential arson.

  6. Emergency Response Planning: Training construction personnel on fire response and evacuation protocols can save lives in case of an incident.


Statistics on Construction Fires


  • The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that an average of 4,300 fires occur annually at construction sites in the U.S., causing over $375 million in direct property damage (NFPA, 2023).

  • Electrical failures and hot work activities account for a significant portion of construction fire causes.

  • Fire sprinkler systems are often not operational during construction, contributing to rapid fire spread in many cases.


Fire safety in construction is an essential component of risk reduction. By implementing best practices, ensuring proper training, and adhering to fire prevention codes, construction stakeholders can minimize the risk of devastating fires. The incidents highlighted here serve as reminders of the importance of awareness and proactive fire safety measures at every stage of the construction process.


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