Structure fire definition risks prevention reconstruction

There are two types of structure fires, and SERVPRO® is here to detail them, along with risks, prevention measures, and the reconstruction process afterward. When fires strike, SERVPRO is Here to Help® with remediation.

There are many different types of fires—wildfires, vehicle fires, structure fires, and more. Whether you experience a fire in your home, business, or other property, they can be devastating, threatening your health, safety, and bringing significant destruction to your assets, space, and more. So, what are structure fires, exactly? What causes them? Beyond that, how can you prevent them, and rebuild if they strike?

What is a Structure Fire?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, a structure fire is defined as, “Any fire in or on a building or other structure…even if the structure itself was not damaged.” Notably, this includes mobile properties, portable buildings, and manufactured homes, which are also considered structures.

What Causes Structure Fires?

The city of Carson City, Nevada outlines ten common causes of structure fires:

Electrical faults (including short circuit ground faults).
Placing/installing heat sources too close to combustible materials.
Unattended equipment.
Dirty or rarely cleaned areas, such as dryers overfilled with lint, and creosote in chimneys.
Abandoned heat sources, such as burning fireplaces, still-burning wood in a container or combustible area, and/or cigarette ashes.
Heat sources accidentally left on (such as space heaters when you go to bed).
Children playing with heat sources.
Unlawful use of incendiary devices.

However, this list is not all-encompassing. For example, cooking accidents also contribute significantly to structure fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 44% of fires were caused by cooking in 2023.

Are There Different Types of Structure Fires?

According to The National Fire Sprinkler Association, there are two main types of structure fires: residential and non-residential. Residential structure fires include homes, while non-residential structure fires include commercial properties. In 2022, most fires were residential (382,500), compared to 140,000 non-residential fires.

Additionally, one- and two-family homes are the most common type of structure fire, while multi-family buildings, along with apartments, are the next most common.

What are Risks and Prevention Measures for Structure Fires?

There are many risks posed by structure fires, including significant threats to health and safety, along with loss of property, materials, and other precious goods. Other risk-related facts about fires include:

A small flame can become a major fire in 30 seconds or less, engulfing entire structures.
During a fire, room temperatures can reach 100º Fahrenheit (38º Celsius) at floor level, and 600º Fahrenheit (316º Celsius) at eye level.
While fires are bright at first, they can quickly produce black smoke. This can cause partial visibility or complete darkness.
Smoke and toxic gases from fires account for more fire deaths than the actual flames. These fumes can make you disoriented and drowsy, which is why escaping the premises as quickly as possible is of utmost importance.

Thankfully, there are extensive prevention measures. While not all-encompassing, for residential properties, Ready.gov recommends the following fire prevention measures:

If you have insurance, contact your insurance company to verify instructions on property protection, conducting inventory, and more.
Develop an Emergency Ready Plan and establish an escape route that your family and/or employees know.
When you go to sleep, make sure your bedroom door is closed.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
If possible, consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system.
For valuable documents like birth certificates, make digital copies.
When it comes to smoke alarms, replace batteries twice a year (unless you use 10-year lithium batteries). Additional smoke alarm tips include:
- Install them on every level of your home, including your basement (if you have one).
- Do not disable a smoke alarm while cooking.
- Replace the smoke alarm unit every 10 years (or at whatever intervals the manufacturer’s instructions indicate).
- Consider installing audible alarms for those with visual impairments, and/or an alarm with flashing lights or vibrating pads for those with hearing impairments.
While cooking, stay in the kitchen, and be sure to wear short, close-fitting clothing, with tightly rolled sleeves.
Do not run cords under rugs or furniture, and regularly check for frayed or torn cords and/or wiring throughout your home.
During the holidays, consider using flameless candles, or keep candles at least 12 inches away from items that can catch fire.
Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home.
Consider putting lighters and matches in a locked area that children cannot access.
When going to bed or leaving your home, if you are using the fireplace, make sure the fire is completely out first.
Make sure portable heating devices, like space heaters, are kept at least three feet away from combustible objects.

For commercial properties, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following fire prevention measures:

Make sure portable heating devices (such as space heaters) are never left unattended.
Verify fire sprinklers and smoke detectors are installed and function properly.
Verify employees and personnel know proper exit procedures, locations, routes, and where fire protection equipment is located.
Make sure items that can burn or are combustible are placed away from electrical equipment.
Make sure fire escape plans are posted on every level of the building.
Routinely check for overloaded, frayed, or damaged cords, electrical outlets, and/or cables.

How to Rebuild After a Structure Fire

When the fire department leaves, cleanup and restoration services are needed as quickly as possible. This might involve removing damaged furniture and documents for salvaging, ceiling and wall scrubbing, water damage restoration, and deodorization. But after cleanup, how does construction work?

SERVPRO^® offers a thorough rebuilding and reconstruction process for any type of fire. Whether the structure is residential, commercial, or another type, SERVPRO breaks the construction process into three overall phases: pre-construction, construction, and post-construction. Learn more about residential construction services, and commercial construction services, on our companion pages.

While each job is slightly different and requires a different approach depending on your needs and the extent of damage, SERVPRO professionals are dedicated to returning your structure to pre-fire condition. Utilizing the necessary crews, SERVPRO will also assist you with insurance paperwork throughout the process, making the entire experience as smooth as possible.

Additionally, SERVPRO utilizes clean build technology; technicians use EPA-registered products that will help protect your structure through viral pathogen cleaning, dust control, and protecting against other contaminants while construction occurs.

SERVPRO Provides Reconstruction Services After Structure Fires and More

Fires are often unpredictable, but when they strike, count on SERVPRO to help remediate and rebuild in the aftermath. With 2270 SERVPRO locations in the United States and Canada, there is a location near you, prepared to assist with all manner of cleanup and restoration needs. Established in 1967, SERVPRO is the #1 choice in fire and water cleanup and restoration*.

In addition to remediating after fire damage, SERVPRO is also prepared to assist with water damage cleanup, mold remediation, document restoration (which is often needed after fires), deodorization services, roof tarping and board-up, storm damage cleanup, and much more. Reach out to your local SERVPRO for more information.