Fires in Petroleum Refineries and Natural Gas Plants Annual Averages and Trends since 1980

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1 The following information is taken from the One-Stop Data Shop s special information data package on petroleum refineries and natural gas plant fires. If you are interested in published incident descriptions of fires involving petroleum refineries and natural gas plants, please contact Nancy Schwartz at or osds@nfpa.org. Fires in Petroleum Refineries and Natural Gas Plants Annual Averages and Trends since 1980 Prepared by: Marty Ahrens Fire Analysis and Research Division NFPA 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA January 2002 Copyright 2002, NFPA, Quincy, MA 02269

2 Fires and Explosions in Petroleum Refineries and Natural Gas Plants This report contains information about fires in or at petroleum refineries or natural gas plants (fixed property use 767). These are the industrial processing plants, not storage facilities. Readers may refer to NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division s special data information package Tank Farms and LP-Gas Bulk Storage for information about fires in these related occupancies. Because refineries and gas plants also may have storage tanks on the same complex, both categories may apply to some fires. An average of 228 refinery or natural gas plant fires occurred per year. During the five-year period from 1994 through 1998, an average of 228 fires or explosions were reported in or at petroleum refineries or natural gas plants per year. Table 1 provides the breakdown of fires and associated losses by incident type. Onequarter of the fires at these facilities were outside fires involving property of value. Although structure fires accounted for only one-fifth of the fires, more than half of the dollar loss resulted from these incidents. Structure fires in these facilities decreased markedly since Tables 2 through 4 show the frequency of fires by year for structure fires, vehicle fires, outside and other fires and explosions, and all fires and explosions, respectively. Structure fires fell 81% from 156 in 1980 to a record low of 30 in Significant decreases occurred in the early eighties; structure fires had hovered in the range during 1990 to Because of the small number of vehicle fires, no clear trend can be seen. Outside and other fires and explosions jumped sharply from 1981 to 1982; they hit their lowest point in Although these outside and other fires were generally less common in the nineties than in the eighties, no trend is evident in the nineties. Figure 1 depicts the frequency of refinery fires by year. Additional statistical information is provided on structure fires and outside and other fires and explosions during the five-year period of No further analysis was done on vehicle fires because of the small number of incidents. STRUCTURE FIRES Forty-four (44) structure fires per year, on average, were reported during These fires resulted in an average of three civilian injuries per year and an annual average of $2.6 million in direct property damage. One-fourth of these structure fires began in process or manufacturing areas. Eleven, or 25%, of the structure fires per year in petroleum refineries or natural gas plants began in process or manufacturing areas. Fires originating in these areas accounted for 79% of the direct property damage. Twelve percent began in product storage areas, tanks or bins. See Table 5 shows a detailed breakdown of area of origin. 1

3 Chemical processing equipment was involved in 15% of the fires. Table 6 shows the major causes of structure fires in these properties. Roughly half (48%) of these fires were caused by Other equipment. The specific equipment involved is shown in Table 7. Although no equipment was involved in 24% of the structure fires, these fires accounted for only 4% of the direct property damage. Chemical processing equipment was involved in 15% of the fires, accounting for 89% of the direct property damage. Torches were involved in 8% of the fires and furnaces, ovens or kilns were involved in 7%. Table 8 shows that the leading form of heat of ignition was heat from gas-fueled equipment. Molten or hot materials provided the heat in 9% of the fires, resulting in 36% of the direct property damage. Only 3% of the fires were started by spontaneous ignition or chemical reactions, but these fires caused half of the direct property damage. Almost one-third of the structure fires resulted from part failures, leaks or breaks. Part failures, leaks or breaks accounted for 31% of the structure fires in petroleum refineries or natural gas plants and 59% of the direct property damage. Eleven percent were caused by unclassified or unknown-type mechanical failures or malfunctions and 10% were caused by cutting or welding too close to combustible materials. Only 1% of the fires were incendiary or suspicious. See Table 9 for more details on ignition factors. Flammable and combustible liquids were leading types of material first ignited. The forms and types of materials first ignited are shown in Tables 10 and 11 respectively. Form refers to the material s shape and use; type refers to its composition. Accelerants or gases or liquids in or from pipes or containers were first ignited in one-third of the fires, resulting in 86% of the direct property damage. Fuel was first ignited in 21% of these fires. Because of the greater consistency within type of material categories, Table 11 is organized differently from the other tables. Each category is listed, and subcategories are also listed if they accounted for at least 1% of the fires or rounded to an average of at least one fire per year. Flammable or combustible liquids were first ignited in 41% of these fires, accounting for 87% of the direct property damage. OUTSIDE AND OTHER FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS WITH NO AFTER-FIRE During the five-year period of , an average of 175 outside and other fires and explosions per year at petroleum refineries or natural gas plants caused an average of six civilian injuries and $1.6 million in direct property damage per year. This category 2

4 includes an annual average of: 58 outside fires involving property of value; 38 outside spills or leaks with ensuing fires; 26 tree, brush or grass fires; 15 outside rubbish or trash fires; five explosions with no after-fires; 24 unclassified fires or explosions; and 10 fires or explosions of unknown types. See Table 1 for associated losses. One-fifth of the outside or other fires started in lawns, fields or open areas. Twenty percent of the outside or other fires and explosions at petroleum refineries or natural gas plants started on lawns, fields or open areas. Eighteen percent began in product storage areas, tanks or bins and 16% began in process or manufacturing areas. See Table 12 for additional details. No equipment was involved in 42% of these fires. Unclassified processing equipment or processing equipment of unknown types was involved in 11% of these fires; torches were also involved in 11%; and chemical process equipment was involved in 10% of these incidents. Additional details are provided in Table 13. Table 14 shows the form of heat of ignition for outside and other fires and explosions at petroleum refineries or natural gas. Fourteen percent were started by lightning. Cutting torches started 12% of these fires. Table 15 shows the ignition factors outside and other fires or explosions at these properties. Twenty-four percent were caused by part failures, leaks or breaks; lightning started 13%; another 13% were caused by cutting or welding too close to combustibles; and 8% were caused by fuel spills or unintentional releases. Flammable and combustible liquids were leading types of material first ignited in outside and other fires.. The forms and types of materials first ignited are shown in Tables 16 and 17 respectively. Accelerants or gas or liquids in or from pipes or containers were first ignited in 31% of the fires, resulting in 51% of the direct property damage. Fuel was first ignited in 20% of these fires. Because of the greater consistency within type of material categories, Table 17 is organized in the same manner as Table 11. Each category is listed, and subcategories are also listed if they accounted for at least 1% of the fires or rounded to an average of at least one fire per year. Flammable or combustible liquids were first ignited in 48% of these fires, accounting for 78% of the direct property damage. Statistics show fire experience, not risk of fire. The data indicate that refinery fires have decreased markedly since the early eighties. It is also possible that the number of refineries, the number of employees, the quantity of product handled and other measures of exposure to fire have changed. Without additional information, it is impossible to tell if the fire risk has decreased along with the fire frequency. 3

5 Be aware of data issues. Only fires in this specific occupancy type are included. In some serious fires, the fire spread to or from other properties. Summary descriptions of large-loss or catastrophic fires will include the combination of properties, but fires originating at other properties and separate exposures will not be captured in the statistics for these specific occupancies. Similarly, refineries may have facilities that support the property but are not related to its primary function, such as offices or parking lots. The coding system used by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), is NFPA 901, Uniform Coding for Fire Protection, 1976 edition. Readers should understand that these codes may not correspond exactly with the NFPA standards regulating these occupancies. Because the number of refinery fires is small, caution should be used in interpreting this data. With such small numbers, the inclusion or exclusion of one or two very large fires can skew the statistics. The estimation methods are more reliable with larger numbers of fires. Also, normal fluctuation may appear more dramatic with small numbers. For more information about how the statistics are calculated, please refer to the appendix. Published incidents provide information about what can happen, not necessarily what is typical. Articles from NFPA publications about incidents that have occurred in the United States and abroad are also included to illustrate some of the situations encountered. It is important to remember the difference between statistical and anecdotal information. The statistics describe the big picture; the anecdotes may illustrate unusual circumstances. Anecdotes show what can happen; they are not a source to learn about what typically occurs. The NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division maintains the Fire Incident Data Organization (FIDO) that provides the source material for these articles. Significant incidents are identified by a clipping service, the NFPA annual fire department survey, and other sources. Follow-up information is sought from the fire service and other agencies. Occasionally, FIDO obtains information that was not reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Because of this, discrepancies may occur between incident descriptions, particularly of very serious fires, and annual totals. 4

6 Table 1. Fires and Explosions in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Incident Type Annual Averages Incident Type Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Outside fire involving property of value 58 (25.6%) 0 (0.0%) 2 (13.3%) $640,000 (13.4%) Structure fire 44 (19.2%) 0 (0.0%) 3 (23.3%) $2,597,000 (54.5%) Outside spill or leak with 38 (16.7%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (6.7%) $673,000 (14.1%) ensuing fire Tree, brush or grass fire 26 (11.6%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $18,000 (0.4%) Outside rubbish or trash fire 15 (6.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Vehicle fire 9 (3.8%) 0 (66.7%) 3 (23.3%) $587,000 (12.3%) Explosion with no after-fire 5 (2.0%) 0 (0.0%) 2 (15.0%) $15,000 (0.3%) Unclassified fire or explosion 24 (10.4%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (8.3%) $191,000 (4.0%) Unknown-type fire or explosion 10 (4.3%) 0 (33.3%) 1 (10.0%) $45,000 (0.9%) Total 228 (100.0%) 1 (100.0%) 12 (100.0%) $4,766,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 5

7 Table 2. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Year Year Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage $2,063, $1,491, $23,266, $7,290, $4,242, $6,219, $1,073, $880, $537, $1,043, $7,916, $62,316, $54,746, $1,850, $10,407, $334, $384, $1,274, $583, Annual average Annual average $9,890, $2,597,000 Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are expressed to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 6

8 Table 3. Vehicle Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Year Year Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage $12, $ $10, $113, $557, $ $ $28, $130, $2, $2, $198, $90, $35, $2,407, $171, $341, $6, $9, Annual average Annual average $216, $587,000 Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are expressed to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 7

9 Table 4. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions in or at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Year Year Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage $1,265, $5,394, $4,213, $10,010, $1,158, $4,246, $6,950, $672, $37,328, $3,301, $1,671, $2,104, $23,826, $6,461, $634, $573, $3,156, $837, $2,713, Annual average Annual average $6,132, $1,583,000 Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are expressed to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 8

10 Figure 1. Fires in Petroelum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants by Year Fires Outside and other fires Vehicle fires Structure fires Year Source National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey 9

11 Table 5. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Area of Origin, Annual Averages Area of Origin Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Process or manufacturing area 11 (25.1%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,047,000 (78.8%) Product storage area, tank or bin 5 (12.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $248,000 (9.5%) Unclassified area of origin 3 (7.1%) 0 (NA) 0 (15.3%) $43,000 (1.7%) Machinery room or area 3 (7.0%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $129,000 (5.0%) Heating equipment room 3 (6.1%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $17,000 (0.7%) Unclassified service or equipment 2 (5.5%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $43,000 (1.6%) area Attic or ceiling/roof assembly or 2 (4.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) concealed space Office 2 (3.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $9,000 (0.4%) Area of origin not applicable 2 (3.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.2%) Maintenance shop or area 1 (2.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $27,000 (1.0%) Supply storage room or area 1 (2.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) Exterior roof surface 1 (2.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Unclassified storage area 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Exterior wall surface 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Multiple areas of origin 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Unclassified structural area 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified function area 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Switchgear area or transformer 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) vault Engine, running gear or wheel area 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) of vehicle Exterior surface of vehicle 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) Highway, public way or street 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Other known area 3 (7.3%) 0 (NA) 2 (59.6%) $18,000 (0.7%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%) $2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the area of origin was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known area of origin. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 10

12 Table 6. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Major Cause Annual Averages Cause Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Other equipment 21 (47.6%) 0 (NA) 1 (47.0%) $1,128,000 (43.4%) Heating equipment 7 (16.0%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $53,000 (2.0%) Open flame, ember or torch 6 (13.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $49,000 (1.9%) Natural causes 3 (7.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (15.3%) $1,325,000 (51.0%) Electrical distribution 3 (7.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $28,000 (1.1%) Appliance, tool or air 2 (3.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $13,000 (0.5%) conditioning Incendiary or suspicious 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Smoking materials 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Exposure (to other hostile fire) 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $0 (0.0%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%) $2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the cause was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known cause. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 11

13 Table 7. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Equipment Involved in Ignition Annual Averages Equipment Involved Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage No equipment involved 10 (23.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $100,000 (3.9%) Chemical process equipment 6 (14.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (15.3%) $2,304,000 (88.7%) Torch 3 (7.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $6,000 (0.2%) Furnace, oven or kiln 3 (7.0%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $95,000 (3.7%) Heat treating equipment 2 (4.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $10,000 (0.4%) Fixed area heater 2 (4.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $12,000 (0.5%) Unclassified or unknown-type 2 (4.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) processing equipment Unknown-type heating system 2 (3.6%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $39,000 (1.5%) Unclassified or unknown-type 1 (3.2%) 0 (NA) 1 (47.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) special equipment Waste recovery equipment 1 (2.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.2%) Portable heater 1 (2.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Heat transfer system 1 (2.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Power switch gear or 1 (2.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) overcurrent protection device Separate pump or compressor 1 (2.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Painting equipment 1 (2.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified electrical 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) distribution equipment Central heating unit 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Hand tool 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Switch, receptacle or outlet 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Other known equipment 2 (5.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $15,000 (0.6%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%) $2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the equipment involved in ignition was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known equipment involved. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 12

14 Table 8. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Form of Heat of Ignition Annual Averages Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Heat from gas-fueled equipment 6 (13.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $54,000 (2.1%) Molten or hot material 4 (8.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $946,000 (36.4%) Heat from properly operating electrical equipment 3 (8.0%) 0 (NA) 1 (47.0%) $103,000 (4.0%) Lightning 2 (5.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $7,000 (0.3%) Welding torch 2 (5.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) Unclassified or unknown-type 2 (4.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $11,000 (0.4%) electrical equipment arc or overload Cutting torch 2 (4.0%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) Spark, ember or flame from gasfueled equipment 1 (3.0%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $7,000 (0.3%) Spontaneous ignition or chemical reaction 1 (3.0%) 0 (NA) 0 (15.3%) $1,320,000 (50.8%) Heat from unclassified or unknown-type open flame or spark 1 (3.0%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $32,000 (1.2%) Heat from solid-fueled equipment 1 (2.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $18,000 (0.7%) Heat from unclassified or 1 (2.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) unknown-type fuel-fired or fuelpowered object Rekindle or reignition 1 (2.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $43,000 (1.6%) Heat from liquid-fueled equipment 1 (2.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unspecified short circuit arc 1 (2.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Arc or spark from operating 1 (2.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) equipment or switch Torch, not cutting or welding 1 (2.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Electric lamp 1 (2.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $27,000 (1.1%) Spark, ember or flame from liquidfueled 1 (2.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $7,000 (0.3%) equipment Open fire 1 (1.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Heat from unknown-type hot object 1 (1.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) 13

15 Table 8. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Form of Heat of Ignition Annual Averages (Continued) Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Short circuit arc from defective or 1 (1.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) worn insulation Spark, ember or flame from 1 (1.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) equipment with unknown-type fuel Heat or spark from friction 1 (1.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Heat from equipment with 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) unknown-type fuel Heat from overloaded equipment 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.2%) Cigarette 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Heat from improperly operating 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) electrical equipment Heat from direct flame or 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $0 (0.0%) convection current Radiated heat 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified form of heat 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%) $2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the form of heat of ignition was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known form of heat of ignition. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 14

16 Table 9. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Ignition Factor, Annual Averages Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Part failure, leak or break 14 (31.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,544,000 (59.5%) Unclassified or unknown-type 5 (11.1%) 0 (NA) 0 (15.3%) $65,000 (2.5%) mechanical failure or malfunction Cutting or welding too close 4 (10.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.2%) Unclassified or unknown-type 3 (6.9%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $49,000 (1.9%) operational deficiency Combustible too close to heat 3 (6.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $9,000 (0.4%) Lightning 2 (5.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $7,000 (0.3%) Short circuit or ground fault 2 (5.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.2%) Lack of maintenance 2 (3.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $866,000 (33.4%) Fuel spilled or unintentionally 1 (2.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) released Other electrical failure 1 (2.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Property too close 1 (2.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $0 (0.0%) Rekindled 1 (2.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $43,000 (1.7%) Unclassified ignition factor 1 (1.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unattended 1 (1.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Automatic control failure 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Incendiary or suspicious 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Abandoned material 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Improper container 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 1 (47.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) Unintentionally turned on or not turned off 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%) $2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the ignition factor was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known ignition factor. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 15

17 Table 10. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Form of Material First Ignited Annual Averages Form of Material Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Accelerant or gas or liquid in or 15 (33.5%) 0 (NA) 2 (62.3%) $2,222,000 (85.6%) from pipe or container Fuel 9 (20.8%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $87,000 (3.4%) Unclassified form of material 4 (8.1%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $19,000 (0.7%) Structural member or framing 3 (7.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $11,000 (0.4%) Bulk storage 1 (3.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.2%) Dust, fiber or lint 1 (3.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Interior wall covering 1 (2.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) Electrical wire or cable insulation 1 (2.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $6,000 (0.2%) Rubbish, trash or waste 1 (2.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Multiple forms of material 1 (2.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.1%) Unknown-type structural 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) component or finish Chips 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) Floor covering or surface 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $231,000 (8.9%) Ceiling covering or surface 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Goods not made up 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Adhesive 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Other known form 3 (6.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $5,000 (0.2%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%) $2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the form of material first ignited was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known form of material first ignited. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 16

18 Table 11. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Type of Material First Ignited, Annual Averages Type of Material Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Flammable or combustible liquid 18 (40.9%) 0 (NA) 2 (87.4%)$2,261,000 (87.1%) Class IIIB combustible liquid 5 (10.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (15.3%) $939,000 (36.2%) Class II combustible liquid 3 (7.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,177,000 (45.3%) Class IA flammable liquid 2 (4.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $70,000 (2.7%) Gasoline 2 (4.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $25,000 (1.0%) Class IB flammable liquid 1 (3.4%) 0 (NA) 1 (25.1%) $37,000 (1.4%) Unclassified or unknown-type 4 (8.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $13,000 (0.5%) flammable or combustible liquid Volatile solid or chemical 7 (17.1%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $71,000 (2.7%) Grease (nonfood) 4 (9.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $49,000 (1.9%) Adhesive, resin or tar 2 (4.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $6,000 (0.2%) Wood or paper 5 (11.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $245,000 (9.4%) Sawn wood 3 (5.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (12.6%) $233,000 (9.0%) Hardboard or plywood 1 (3.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $11,000 (0.4%) Fiberboard or wood pulp 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unknown-type wood or paper 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Gas 5 (10.9%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.2%) Natural gas 2 (3.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Acetylene 1 (1.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified or unknown-type gas 2 (4.8%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) Material compounded with oil 2 (5.7%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Asphalt treated material 1 (1.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified or unknown-type 1 (2.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) material compounded with oil Natural product 2 (4.6%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.2%) Rubber 1 (2.5%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.1%) Fabric, textile or fur 1 (3.3%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.2%) Cotton or rayon fabric 1 (2.2%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) or finished goods Plastic 1 (2.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Polyvinyl 1 (2.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) 17

19 Table 11. Structure Fires in Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Type of Material First Ignited, Annual Averages (Continued) Type of Material Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Other type of material 1 (3.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified 1 (2.4%) 0 (NA) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Total 44 (100.0%) 0 (NA) 3 (100.0%)$2,597,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the type of material first ignited was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known type of material first ignited. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 18

20 Table 12. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Area of Origin Annual Averages Area of Origin Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Lawn, field or open area 36 (20.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (4.5%) $42,000 (2.7%) Product storage area, tank or 32 (18.1%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (16.4%) $390,000 (24.6%) bin Process or manufacturing area 29 (16.5%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (11.4%) $365,000 (23.1%) Unclassified area of origin 16 (9.2%) 0 (0.0%) 2 (33.9%) $264,000 (16.7%) Area of origin not applicable 15 (8.6%) 0 (100.0%) 2 (26.4%) $16,000 (1.0%) Trash or rubbish area or 7 (3.8%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) container Unclassified service or 6 (3.2%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $13,000 (0.8%) equipment area Wildland area or woods 4 (2.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Unclassified storage area 4 (2.4%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Fuel tank of fuel line of vehicle 3 (1.7%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Highway, public way or street 3 (1.7%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $118,000 (7.4%) Heating equipment room 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $32,000 (2.0%) Utility shaft 2 (1.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $10,000 (0.6%) Unclassified service facility 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (7.6%) $0 (0.0%) Machinery room or area 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Incinerator room or area 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified structural area 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.3%) Other known area 9 (5.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $324,000 (20.5%) Total 175 (100.0%) 0 (100.0%) 6 (100.0%) $1,583,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the area of origin was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known area of origin. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 19

21 Table 13. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Equipment Involved in Ignition Annual Averages Equipment Involved Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage No equipment involved 73 (41.9%) 0 (100.0%) 4 (64.3%) $441,000 (27.8%) Unclassified or unknown-type 20 (11.5%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (13.6%) $124,000 (7.9%) processing equipment Torch 20 (11.3%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (8.5%) $24,000 (1.5%) Chemical process equipment 18 (10.1%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (13.7%) $684,000 (43.2%) Furnace, oven or kiln 7 (4.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $154,000 (9.7%) Unclassified equipment involved 7 (4.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.3%) Heat treating equipment 5 (2.6%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $41,000 (2.6%) Separate pump or compressor 4 (2.2%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $58,000 (3.7%) Fixed wiring 3 (1.9%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified or known-type 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) heating system Other known equipment 15 (8.7%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $53,000 (3.4%) Total 175 (100.0%) 0 (100.0%) 6 (100.0%) $1,583,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the equipment involved in ignition was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known equipment involved. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 20

22 Table 14. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Form of Heat of Ignition, Annual Averages Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Lightning 24 (13.6%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $222,000 (14.1%) Cutting torch 20 (11.7%) 0 (*.*) 1 (11.7%) $0 (0.0%) Heat from gas-fueled equipment 18 (10.0%) 0 (*.*) 2 (26.1%) $469,000 (29.6%) Heat from unclassified or 16 (9.1%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) unknown-type hot object Heat from unclassified or 9 (5.0%) 0 (*.*) 0 (5.5%) $172,000 (10.9%) unknown-type open flame or spark Spark, ember or flame escaping 8 (4.7%) 0 (*.*) 0 (4.7%) $0 (0.0%) from gas-fueled equipment Heat from liquid-fueled 7 (3.9%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $179,000 (11.3%) equipment Heat from direct flame or 6 (3.6%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $129,000 (8.1%) convection current Spontaneous ignition or chemical 6 (3.2%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) reaction Welding torch 5 (2.6%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Molten or hot material 5 (2.6%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $329,000 (20.8%) Heat or spark from friction 4 (2.3%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $46,000 (2.9%) Heat from equipment with 4 (2.1%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) unknown-type fuel Unclassified form of heat 4 (2.1%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.2%) Arc or spark from operating 3 (1.8%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) equipment or switch Cigarette 3 (1.8%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.2%) Unclassified or unknown-type 3 (1.6%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) electrical equipment arc or overload Heat from properly operating 3 (1.6%) 0 (*.*) 1 (18.6%) $13,000 (0.8%) electrical equipment Open fire 3 (1.6%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Arc from faulty contact 2 (1.3%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Torch, not cutting or welding 2 (1.3%) 0 (*.*) 0 (5.5%) $2,000 (0.1%) Conducted heat 2 (1.3%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) 21

23 Table 14. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Form of Heat of Ignition Annual Averages (Continued) Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Heat from solid-fueled 2 (1.1%) 0 (*.*) 1 (18.6%) $0 (0.0%) equipment Spark, ember or flame escaping 2 (1.0%) 0 (*.*) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) from equipment with unknown-type fuel Other known form of heat 16 (9.1%) 0 (*.*) 1 (9.4%) $12,000 (0.7%) Total 175 (100.0%) 0 (100.0%) 6 (100.0%) $1,583,000 (100.0%) * One death was reported during the five-year period of , rounding to an annual average of zero. The form of heat of ignition was unknown or not reported in this case. Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the form of heat of ignition was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known form of heat of ignition. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 22

24 Table 15. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Ignition Factor Annual Averages Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Part failure, leak or break 41 (23.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $962,000 (60.8%) Cutting or welding too close 23 (13.2%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (9.5%) $14,000 (0.9%) Lightning 23 (13.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $214,000 (13.5%) Fuel spilled or unintentionally released 14 (7.8%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (12.8%) $170,000 (10.8%) Unclassified or unknown-type mechanical failure or malfunction 13 (7.2%) 0 (100.0%) 2 (26.4%) $43,000 (2.7%) Unclassified or unknown-type operational deficiency 11 (6.2%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (17.4%) $147,000 (9.3%) Unclassified misuse heat of 5 (3.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $11,000 (0.7%) ignition Combustible too close to heat 4 (2.6%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified ignition factor 4 (2.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Incendiary or suspicious 3 (2.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.2%) Abandoned material 3 (1.8%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Spontaneous heating 2 (1.4%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Inadequate control of open fire 2 (1.4%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $9,000 (0.5%) Short circuit or ground fault 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Other electrical failure 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Construction deficiency 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Improper start-up or shutdown 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) procedure High wind 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Lack of maintenance 2 (1.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (7.6%) $0 (0.0%) Other known ignition factor 14 (7.8%) 0 (0.0%) 2 (26.4%) $9,000 (0.6%) Total 175 (100.0%) 0 (100.0%) 6 (100.0%) $1,583,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the ignition factor was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known ignition factor. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 23

25 Table 16. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Form of Material First Ignited Annual Averages Form of Material Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Accelerant or gas or liquid in or from pipe or container 54 (30.6%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (20.8%) $800,000 (50.6%) Fuel 34 (19.2%) 0 (100.0%) 5 (74.6%) $314,000 (19.9%) Unclassified form of material 27 (15.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (4.7%) $225,000 (14.2%) Growing or living form 23 (13.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Rubbish, trash or waste 9 (5.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified or unknown-type 4 (2.6%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) power transfer equipment or fuel Bulk storage 3 (1.7%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $16,000 (1.0%) Atomized or vaporized liquid 3 (1.7%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $55,000 (3.5%) Multiple forms of material 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified or unknown-type 2 (1.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) structural component or finish Tire 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $31,000 (1.9%) Other known form 12 (7.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $139,000 (8.8%) Total 175 (100.0%) 0 (100.0%) 6 (100.0%) $1,583,000 (100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the form of material first ignited was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known form of material first ignited. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 24

26 Table 17. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Type of Material First Ignited, Annual Averages Type of Material Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Flammable or combustible liquid 83 (47.6%) 0 (0.0%) 4 (69.5%)$1,237,000 (78.1%) Class II combustible liquid 14 (8.0%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (8.3%) $156,000 (9.9%) Gasoline 11 (6.4%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (15.6%) $185,000 (11.7%) Class IIIB combustible liquid 9 (5.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $29,000 (1.8%) Class IIIA combustible liquid 6 (3.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $3,000 (0.2%) Class IA flammable liquid 6 (3.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $480,000 (30.3%) Class IC flammable liquid 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $121,000 (7.6%) Class IB flammable liquid 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $10,000 (0.6%) Unclassified or unknown-type 33 (18.6%) 0 (0.0%) 3 (45.6%) $254,000 (16.0%) flammable or combustible liquid Natural product 30 (16.9%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $51,000 (3.2%) Grass, leaves, hay or straw 24 (14.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Rubber 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $31,000 (1.9%) Grain or natural fiber 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Gas 26 (14.9%) 0 (100.0%) 2 (30.5%) $197,000 (12.4%) Natural gas 14 (7.9%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (9.9%) $10,000 (0.7%) Specialty gas other than anesthetic 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.1%) Unclassified or unknown-type gas 7 (3.8%) 0 (100.0%) 1 (20.6%) $183,000 (11.6%) Wood or paper 10 (6.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $5,000 (0.3%) Sawn wood 4 (2.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1,000 (0.0%) Unknown-type wood or paper 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.2%) Growing wood 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Felled but unsawn wood 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Volatile solid or chemical 5 (2.6%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $12,000 (0.7%) Adhesive, resin or tar 4 (2.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $12,000 (0.7%) Material compounded with oil 4 (2.2%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $6,000 (0.4%) Asphalt treated material 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $6,000 (0.4%) Plastic 3 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) Unclassified or unknown-type 2 (1.2%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0 (0.0%) plastic 25

27 Table 17. Outside and Other Fires and Explosions at Petroleum Refineries or Natural Gas Plants, by Type of Material First Ignited, Annual Averages (Continued) Type of Material Fires Deaths Injuries Property Damage Fabric, textile or fur 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $71,000 (4.5%) Manufactured fabric, fiber 2 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $71,000 (4.5%) or finished goods Other material 13 (7.3%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $6,000 (0.4%) Unclassified 10 (5.6%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $4,000 (0.3%) Multiple types of material ignited 3 (1.8%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $2,000 (0.1%) Total 175 (100.0%) 0 (100.0%) 6 (100.0%) $1,583,000(100.0%) Note: These are fires reported to U.S. municipal fire departments and so exclude fires reported only to Federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades. Fires, civilian deaths and civilian injuries are rounded to the nearest one and property damage is rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Property damage figures have not been adjusted for inflation. Fires in which the type of material first ignited was unknown or not reported were allocated proportionally among fires of known type of material first ignited. Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. 26

28 Appendix A: How National Estimates Statistics Are Calculated Estimates are made using the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) United States Fire Administration (USFA), supplemented by the annual stratified random-sample survey of fire experience conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which is used for calibration. Databases Used NFIRS provides annual computerized data bases of fire incidents, with data classified according to a standard format based on the NFPA 901 Standard. Roughly three-fourths of all states have NFIRS coordinators, who receive fire incident data from participating fire departments and combine the data into a state database. These data are then transmitted to FEMA/USFA. Participation by the states, and by local fire departments within participating states, is voluntary. NFIRS captures roughly one-third to one-half of all U.S. fires each year. More than one-third of all U.S. fire departments are listed as participants in NFIRS, although not all of these departments provide data every year. The strength of NFIRS is that it provides the most detailed incident information of any national database not limited to large fires. NFIRS is the only database capable of addressing national patterns for fires of all sizes by specific property use and specific fire cause. (The NFPA survey separates fewer than 20 of the hundreds of property use categories defined by NFPA 901 and solicits no cause-related information except for incendiary and suspicious fires.) NFIRS also captures information on the avenues and extent of flame spread and smoke spread and on the performance of detectors and sprinklers. The NFPA survey is based on a stratified random sample of roughly 3,000 U.S. fire departments (or just over one of every ten fire departments in the country). The survey includes the following information: (1) the total number of fire incidents, civilian deaths, and civilian injuries, and the total estimated property damage (in dollars), for each of the major property use classes defined by the NFPA 901 Standard; (2) the number of on-duty firefighter injuries, by type of duty and nature of illness; and (3) information on the type of community protected (e.g., county versus township versus city) and the size of the population protected, which is used in the statistical formula for projecting national totals from sample results. The NFPA survey begins with the NFPA Fire Service Inventory, a computerized file of about 30,000 U.S. fire departments, which is the most complete and thoroughly validated such listing in existence. The survey is stratified by size of population protected to reduce the uncertainty of the final estimate. Small rural communities protect fewer people per department and are less likely to respond to the survey, so a large number must be surveyed to obtain an adequate sample of those departments. (NFPA also makes follow-up calls to a sample of the smaller fire departments that do not respond, to confirm that those that did respond are truly representative of fire departments their size.) On the other hand, large city departments are so few in number and protect such a large proportion of the total U.S. population that it makes sense to survey all of them. Most respond, resulting in excellent precision for their part of the final estimate.