Fire Doesn't Start by Accident

The list, with where to start on each

Source: NFPA Research, 'Fires in Industrial or Manufacturing Properties' (Sept. 2023; 2017–2021 annual averages, the latest edition) and its Supporting Tables. Table numbers are shown on each item. We moved electrical up because it leads in industrial properties, and added trash and outside fires because they make up most incidents.

1. Machines that fail, overheat, or rub

   What the data shows: Mechanical failure is the No. 1 factor: 24% of manufacturing structure fires and 59% of the damage. Shop tools and industrial equipment are involved in 37%. (NFPA Tables 11, 12, 14)

   Start here: A $50 infrared thermometer, a laminated temperature log on the three machines that worry you most, and a rule that any reading over the maker's limit gets a work order that day.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.39(c)(3)–(4) [GI] · General Duty Clause · NFPA 70B · maker's manuals

2. Failure to clean (residue, lint, dust)

   What the data shows: No. 2 factor in manufacturing structure fires: 11%, about 557 fires a year. (NFPA Table 14)

   Start here: One overhead clean-down a quarter, on the calendar, with a lift booked and a name assigned. Then set the interval by what you find.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.22(a)(1) [GI] · 1910.176(c) [GI] · 1910.39(c)(2) [GI] · Combustible Dust NEP CPL 03-00-008 · NFPA 660

3. Electrical failure, wiring, and arcing

   What the data shows: Electrical distribution equipment is the leading equipment in industrial-property structure fires (21%). Arcing is the heat source in 15%. (NFPA Tables 3, 4, 6)

   Start here: Walk every panel this week with the electrician. Clear the space, close the openings, list every cord used as fixed wiring, and price the fixes.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.303(b)(1) [GI] · 1910.303(g)(1) [GI] · 1910.305(g)(1)(iv) [GI] · NFPA 70 · NFPA 70B · NFPA 70E

4. Heat too close to combustibles

   What the data shows: 7% of manufacturing structure fires but 14% of the injuries. Heating equipment is involved in 18%. (NFPA Tables 12, 14)

   Start here: Count every portable heater in the building this week. Remove the ones that are not approved. Fix the reason each one was there.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.39(c)(1), (c)(3) [GI] · 1910.176(c) [GI] · NFPA 1 Fire Code · maker's clearances

5. Hot work: cutting and welding

   What the data shows: Cutting or welding too close to combustibles: 6% of manufacturing structure fires, about 308 a year. (NFPA Table 14)

   Start here: One-page permit, one trained authorizer per shift, a hot work kit (blankets, extinguisher, timer) on a cart that goes with the job.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.252(a) [GI] · NFPA 51B (2024) · Construction: 1926.352

6. Process heat and flammable liquids

   What the data shows: Heat-treating equipment: 4% of manufacturing fires, 40% of the damage. Atomized liquids and aerosols: 2% of fires, 51% of the damage. (NFPA Tables 12, 17)

   Start here: Count the gallons outside your cabinets this week. Get the number under the limits. Tag every jumper on every oven and furnace and decide each one.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.106 [GI] · 1910.107 [GI] · Construction: 1926.152 · NFPA 86 · NFPA 30 · NFPA 33

7. Trash, waste, and outside fires

   What the data shows: 68% of all fire incidents at these properties are outside or unclassified. Contained trash fires are 10% of manufacturing and 20% of industrial structure fires. (NFPA Tables 1, 4, 12)

   Start here: Measure the distance from each dumpster and pallet stack to the building. Call your fire marshal and ask what yours should be. Move them.

   Rules and guidance: 1910.39(c)(2) [GI] · 1910.106(e)(9) [GI] · 1910.176(c) [GI] · NFPA 1 / local fire code

The full PDF adds, for each item, why it really happens, the rules in plain words, controls in hierarchy order, a 30-minute self-audit, who owns it and a toolbox talk starter.

Download the free PDF (37-page PDF)

Sources, as cited in the guide

1. NFPA Research, T. McGree, “Fires in Industrial or Manufacturing Properties” (Sept. 2023; 2017–2021 data). https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/fires-in-us-industrial-or-manufacturing-properties
2. NFPA Research, “Fires in Industrial and Manufacturing Properties: Supporting Tables” (Sept. 2023). https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Project/Storefront/Catalog/Files/Research/NFPA-Research/Building-and-life-safety/osIndustrialTables.pdf
3. NFPA, “Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4–10, focuses on lithium-ion battery charging safety” (Sept. 23, 2026). https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2026/fire-prevention-week-oct-4-10-focuses-on-lithium-ion-battery-charging-safety
4. 29 CFR 1910.38, Emergency action plans. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.38
5. 29 CFR 1910.39, Fire prevention plans. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.39
6. 29 CFR 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157
7. 29 CFR 1910.165, Employee alarm systems. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.165
8. 29 CFR 1910.106, Flammable liquids. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.106
9. 29 CFR 1910.107, Spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.107
10. 29 CFR 1910.252, Welding, cutting, and brazing: general requirements. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.252
11. 29 CFR 1910.22, Walking-working surfaces: general requirements (housekeeping). https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.22
12. 29 CFR 1910.176, Handling materials: general (storage housekeeping). https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.176
13. 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.178
14. 29 CFR 1910.303, Electrical: general. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.303
15. 29 CFR 1910.305, Electrical: wiring methods, components, and equipment. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.305
16. 29 CFR 1910.307, Hazardous (classified) locations. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.307
17. 29 CFR 1910.272, Grain handling facilities. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.272
18. eCFR, Title 29 Part 1910, current as of Oct. 8, 2026 (text checked Oct. 13, 2026). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910
19. OSHA Directive CPL 03-00-008, Revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (Jan. 30, 2023). https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-03-00-008
20. OSHA news release, “US Department of Labor revises OSHA's Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program” (Jan. 27, 2023). https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/osha-trade-release/20230127
21. OSHA, Combustible Dust safety and health topic. https://www.osha.gov/combustible-dust
22. U.S. Chemical Safety Board, Combustible Dust Hazard Study (Nov. 2006). https://www.csb.gov/combustible-dust-hazard-investigation/
23. OSHA SHIB 06-20-2019, “Preventing Fire and/or Explosion Injury from Small and Wearable Lithium Battery Powered Devices”. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/shib011819.pdf
24. 29 CFR 1926.150–.152, Construction fire protection, fire prevention, and flammable liquids. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.150
25. 29 CFR 1926.352, Construction: fire prevention in welding and cutting. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.352
26. OSHA, On-Site Consultation Program. https://www.osha.gov/consultation
27. NFPA 660, Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids (2025 edition; final, effective Dec. 6, 2024). https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-660/p0660code
28. NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work (2024 edition). https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-51b-standard-development/51b
29. NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance (a standard since the 2023 edition). https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70b-standard-development/70b
30. NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-10-standard-development/10
31. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-30-standard-development/30
32. NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-25-standard-development/25
33. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-72-standard-development/72
34. NFPA 86, Standard for Ovens and Furnaces. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-86-standard-development/86
35. NFPA 1, Fire Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1-standard-development/1
36. NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-33-standard-development/33
37. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70-standard-development/70
38. NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-70e-standard-development/70e