Investigation of Fire Incidents and Associated Damage to Buildings

Among different types of man-made and nature-made disasters, fire constitutes a significant threat to both people and structures. This study provides fire incident data including the origin and cause, as well as the extent and severity of real fire incidents that occurred in around 60 wood–frame residential buildings in the province of Ontario, Canada. Analysis of the data showed that most of the fires in the residential building were electrical fires; however, the causes for many of the fires were reported as “undetermined.” The primary places of origin of the fires were found to be the garages and kitchens. Sunday was the day of the week with the highest number of fire incidents. It was observed that floor joists and roof framings were the most vulnerable structural elements, and poor fire performance of I-joists often resulted in total loss. To protect floor framings from fire, it is recommended that the exceptions to the provisions of section R302.13 of the 2015/2018 IRC be eliminated so that all types and sizes of floor framings be covered with gypsum boards. Similar provisions shall be added to Part 9 of NBC as well as OBC and other Canadian provincial building codes. It is also recommended that I-joist floor systems and roof framings be sealed with a fire-protective coating after installation.