FACTS

Here are some key facts regarding fires in the hospitality industry:

1. Kitchen Hazards: Commercial kitchens pose fire risks due to open flames, hot surfaces, and flammable oils/greases.
2. Electrical Hazards: Improperly installed or maintained electrical systems and equipment can lead to electrical fires.
3. Smoking Hazards: Improper disposal of smoking materials and smoking in prohibited areas can cause fires.
4. Combustible Materials: Presence of combustible furnishings, decorations, and cleaning supplies increases fire risk.
5. Fire Spread in Complex Structures: Large and interconnected hospitality buildings allow fires to spread quickly.
6. Human Factors: Negligence, lack of awareness, and intentional misconduct contribute to fire hazards.

STATS

• Fire departments among seven reporting jurisdictions in Canada responded to just over 39,000 fires in 2021, marking the second consecutive year of increases.
• According to the Center of Fire Statistics (CFS), there were an estimated 10,700 fires in hotels and motels worldwide in 2022. These fires resulted in 250 civilian deaths, 3,500 civilian injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage.
• In 2021, of the 202 fire-related deaths, three out of four occurred in residential buildings. Among the 10,819 residential fires, 1% ended in a death, with a total of 156 fatalities.
• §  Cooking equipment (specifically flammable materials) and open flames continue to be the leading causes of fire in residential buildings. These categories have consistently accounted for over half of all residential fires that occurred from 2015 to 2021. While cooking was the leading cause of fire incidents (32%) and injuries (43%), flammable materials accounted for 64% of residential fire-related deaths.
• Certain types of actions can be associated with increased fire risk. For instance, behaviours like fatigue, suspected impairment, and distraction or preoccupation were associated with 20% of residential fires, 20% of injuries, and 14% of deaths in 2021.
• Other associated factors were mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions (18% of residential fires, 15% of injuries, and 10% of deaths in homes) and incendiary fires (meaning accidental or intentional fires started by a person), which accounted for 14% of residential fires, 12% of injuries, and 27% of deaths.