Blog Post

Why Fire Safety in Schools is Critical

Fires are always dangerous, but when they happen in schools, the stakes are much higher. With classrooms full of students and staff responsible for their safety, every second counts during an emergency. It’s a situation no school wants to face, but the reality is that fires in schools are more common than many people realize.

That’s why fire safety is absolutely essential. Understanding how fires start—and taking steps to prevent them—can protect lives, property, and the sense of security that schools should provide. From bustling cafeterias to science labs full of equipment, schools face unique fire risks that demand attention and preparation.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the leading causes of school fires and share actionable tips to keep your school community safe.

Quick Fire Facts: Why School Fires Are a Serious Threat

• Over 3,200 Fires Annually: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 3,230 fires occur in U.S. educational properties every year.
• 9 Fire Responses Per Day: Firefighters respond to fires in educational settings roughly nine times per day across the U.S. 
• Ripple Effect of Disruption: Beyond the damage, a single fire can disrupt months of learning and leave lasting emotional scars on school communities.
• Equipment Issues Play a Role: In some incidents, the lack of operational fire alarms or outdated safety equipment has worsened the outcome.

The Top Causes of School Fires

When you think about what causes school fires, you might picture accidents in the kitchen or old wiring sparking flames. While those are common issues, one cause might surprise you: fires set intentionally. Intentional fires are actually the leading cause of school fires, and their impact can be devastating.

Cause #1: Intentional Fire Setting (Arson)

Intentional fires are, perhaps surprisingly, the leading cause of school fires, accounting for over 40% of incidents reported annually. These fires are also responsible for nearly one-third of the total property damage caused by school fires.

The motives behind arson vary widely. Younger children may start fires out of curiosity, especially if they have access to matches or lighters. Older students may act out due to emotional distress, peer pressure, or delinquent behavior. In some cases, fires are a coping mechanism for students facing personal crises or mental health challenges.

Prevention Tips:

Preventing intentional fires starts with awareness and supervision. Schools should report all fire incidents—regardless of size—to local fire authorities. This can help identify at-risk students and provide intervention before behavior escalates. Programs that educate students about the dangers and legal consequences of fire-setting are also key to prevention.

Cause #2: Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment ranks high among the causes of school fires, particularly in cafeterias and staff break rooms. According to the NFPA, these fires make up about 42% of all reported incidents in schools. The presence of staff in these areas often keeps fires from escalating, but the frequency of these incidents cannot be ignored.

Prevention Tips:

To reduce the risk, schools should ensure their kitchens are equipped with working hood suppression systems, portable fire extinguishers, and regularly maintained appliances. Routine cleaning, especially to remove grease buildup, is also essential in preventing cooking-related fires.

Cause #3: Heating Equipment

Heating equipment, including boilers, central systems, and portable heaters, is responsible for approximately 10% of school fires each year. These fires often occur due to outdated infrastructure or improper use of portable devices.

Prevention Tips:

Heating equipment fires account for an estimated $2 million in property damage annually. To mitigate these risks, schools must prioritize routine maintenance and inspection of heating systems. Portable heaters should be used with caution, kept away from flammable materials, and monitored when in use.

Cause #4: Electrical Malfunctions

Electrical malfunctions, such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, are another significant cause of school fires. Older schools are especially at risk due to aging infrastructure and systems that may not meet modern safety standards.

Prevention Tips:

These fires can often be prevented with routine inspections of wiring and equipment. Ensuring that circuits aren’t overloaded and promptly addressing warning signs—like flickering lights or unusual odors—can also help reduce the risk.

Fire Safety Tips for Schools

Beyond addressing the specific causes of fires, every school should adopt general fire safety practices to keep students and staff prepared for any emergency. These strategies aren’t just for peace of mind—they can save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce the devastating impact of school fires.

Conduct Regular Fire Drills

Fire drills can start to feel routine—maybe even unnecessary. After all, every school does them, they interrupt instruction time, and everyone knows it’s just practice, right? But here’s the reality: when a real fire breaks out, those drills can make the difference between a calm, organized evacuation and dangerous chaos.

Regular fire drills help ensure that everyone knows the safest way to exit the building and where to gather afterward. Experts recommend holding at least two fire drills per school year, with occasional unannounced drills to simulate a real emergency. Don’t forget to account for challenges like assisting students with mobility issues or managing young children who may panic. While it may feel repetitive, a well-practiced evacuation is crucial for keeping everyone safe.

Maintain School Fire Alarms and Extinguishers

Fire safety equipment doesn’t last forever. Fire extinguishers, for example, can expire or lose pressure, making them shockingly ineffective when you need them most. Similarly, malfunctioning smoke detectors or fire alarms can delay critical responses to a fire.

That’s why routine maintenance is non-negotiable. Schools should inspect all safety equipment regularly, replacing or repairing anything that doesn’t meet standards. Fire extinguishers should be strategically placed in high-risk areas like kitchens, science labs, and mechanical rooms. Staff should also be trained on how to use them effectively. In an emergency, every second matters, and having fully functional equipment could be the key to avoiding disaster.

Educate Staff and Students on Fire Safety Protocols

Training can feel like just another task on a teacher’s already overloaded plate, but it’s one of the most important investments a school can make. Teachers carry the enormous responsibility of keeping their students safe, and in an emergency, they need to feel equipped—not overwhelmed.

Regular training sessions give staff the knowledge and confidence they need to lead during a fire. Students should also be taught age-appropriate fire safety lessons. Understanding evacuation procedures, recognizing emergency signals, and staying calm under pressure are skills that can make a big difference during an emergency. When everyone in the school knows their role, fire safety becomes a shared responsibility that’s much easier to manage.

Fire Safety in Schools: A Critical Commitment

Fire safety in schools isn’t just another box to check—it’s a commitment to protecting lives and providing peace of mind. While drills, equipment maintenance, and training may seem like time-consuming tasks, they are the foundation of a safe and prepared school community.

B&C Fire Safety is here to make it easier. From inspecting fire extinguishers to optimizing smoke detector placement, our team is ready to help your school stay protected and compliant.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact B&C Fire Safety today to schedule inspections, training, or consultations. Together, we can create a safer environment for students and staff.