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In Minnesota, church fires pose a significant risk, with 332 incidents reported from 2004-2012, resulting in over $7.7 million in property losses. Common causes include intentional acts, equipment failure, and cooking mishaps. Effective fire protection systems such as alarms and sprinklers can save lives and property. Churches must implement robust emergency plans, ensuring safe egress routes and proper maintenance of fire safety equipment. Understanding high-risk areas and adhering to fire safety protocols is crucial for safeguarding worship spaces.
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Church Administrators & Emergency Planning Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division
Topics • Church Fires in Minnesota • Prevention of Fires • Fire Protection Systems • Emergency Planning
Church Fires in Minnesota • From 2004-2012 (9 years): • 332 fires (37 per year) • $7,740,706 in property loss ($860,078 per year) • 23 fires with $50,000 damage or more (94% of the total property loss)
Church Fires in Minnesota • Most common causes: • Intentional: 37 • Equipment failure: 31 • Act of nature: 12 • Other “accidental” cause: 55 • Cause not listed: 130
Church Fires in Minnesota • Area of origin (where they start): • Outside area: 35 • Kitchens: 11 • Assembly / sanctuary: 11 • Heating / mechanical spaces: 11 • Egress system (halls, entrances, etc.): 9 • Storage areas: 9 • Bathrooms: 5 • Office areas: 4
Preventing Fires • High Risk Areas for Preventable Fires: • Cooking (how trained are people who cook in your facilities) • Candles (keep at least 18 inches from things that can burn – wood, paper, plastic, cloth materials, etc.) • Heating / mechanical areas: • Maintenance of equipment • Combustible storage near heating equip.
Interior Concerns • Refrain from storing gas-fueled equipment in the building: • Snow blowers, lawnmowers, etc. • Allowed inside building if stored in separate fire-rated room • Egress system (corridors, stairs, etc.) blocked with storage
Exterior Concerns • Keep dumpsters away from buildings • Storage sheds and outbuildings – keep at least 10 feet from main building • Wood chip / mulch fires
Fire Protection – Hierarchy of Effectiveness • Fire sprinkler systems – about 1 church saved each year • Fire alarm systems – about 2 fires detected each year • Construction features: • Non-combustible construction – limits spread • Fire separation walls / doors • Portable fire extinguishers
Fire Safety & Evacuation Planning • Required for larger churches: • Multi-use facilities with large reception spaces, day care, or pre-school functions • Used exclusively for worship for 2,000 or more occupants (big church!) • Buildings used for housing and sleeping purposes (Families Moving Forward, Interfaith Hospitality Network, etc.)
Fire Safety Plan – Contents • Procedure for reporting fires • Site plans (hydrants, FD access locations, occupant assembly point) • Identification of responsible persons: • Maintenance of fire protection systems • Building housekeeping and maintenance (eliminating fire hazards) • Business interruption considerations
Fire Evacuation Plan – Contents • Means of notifying occupants of a fire: • Fire alarm system, public address, etc. • What does it sound like? • Identification of egress routes • Procedures for accounting for staff and occupants (primary & secondary means) • Relocation of occupants • Reporting the fire to the fire department
