Citation

Thomas IR. J. Fire Prot. Eng. 2002; 12(2): 63-78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1042391502012002784

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A concept of fire safety system effectiveness incorporating two elements, efficacy and reliability, is introduced. Historical USA fire data is used to estimate the levels of effectiveness of several fire safety systems in terms of extent of flame spread, the rates of firefighter injuries and civilian fatalities and injuries, and estimated monetary loss in fires reported to fire brigades. Based on the data analyzed, sprinklers appear to have greater effectiveness than detectors and protected construction for reducing extent of flame spread and generally (but not always) for reducing the rate of firefighter injuries, civilian fatalities and the estimated monetary loss per fire.