Fire Safety

The Fire Safety infographic showcases some history of fire fighting and the development of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and some of its most important standards such as NFPA 70, NFPA 101 and NFPA 1.

Related Resources

• Floor Marking Around Fire Extinguishers
• International Fire Code
• Fire Safety Procedures

The following is a transcript of the Fire Safety History Infographic:

Fire Safety History

Significant dates in fire safety history, statistics, important NFPA codes.

January 1, 1853: First practical fire engine is tested (Cincinnati, Ohio)

April 1, 1853: First salaried fire department established (Cincinnati, Ohio)

May 19, 1857: First U.S. patent on an automatic fire alarm system issued

November 6, 1896: National Fire Protection Association is founded (Boston, Massachusetts)

May 18, 1971: NFPA standard 19B requires SCBA* use during firefighting

*Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

2011: 1,389,500 fires reported in the United States

686,000 Outside & other fires

484,500 Structure fires

219,000 Vehicle fires

These fires caused:

$11.7 billion property damage ($9.7 billion, $616 million, $1.4 billion)

17,500 civilian injuries (15,635 675 1,190)

3,005 civilian deaths (2,640 65 300)

Important Fire Safety Methods

NFPA is responsible for over 300 fire codes, some of the most important are:

NFPA 1—Fire Code: Advances fire and life safety for the public and first responders as well as property protection by providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to fire code regulation and hazard management. 

NFPA 101—Life Safety Code: Establishes minimum requirements for new and existing buildings to protect building occupants from fire, smoke, and toxic fumes.

NFPA 70—National Electric Code: Accepted code for electrical installations.

Visit www.nfpa.org to learn more

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