Quincy, MA — Hot work hazards sparked nearly 3,400 structure fires a year over a recent five-year period, according to new report from the National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA analyzed 2017-2021 data on fires that involved codes related to shop tools and industrial equipment, including:
- Power nail gun, stud driver or stapler
- Welding torch
- Cutting torch
- Burners
- Soldering equipment
- Tarpot or tar kettle
These fires resulted in an estimated yearly average of 19 civilian deaths, 120 civilian injuries and $292 million in direct property damage.
More than half of the hot work fires (54%) occurred in or on “nonhome” properties such as commercial buildings or hotels. More than three-quarters of the buildings burned were occupied.
Welding torches were the most common type of equipment involved in fires related to hot work.
“For both homes and nonhomes, the leading factors contributing to ignition were heat sources too close to combustibles and cutting or welding too close to combustible material,” NFPA says.
