Many things are in common with the prevention of explosion (see FAQ - Explosion) but for safety's sake are repeated in both places.
You may not be able to prevent 100% of fires, but 98% is a reasonable goal.
The 2003 wildfires, largest ever recorded in California, claimed thousands of homes and 100s of businesses, putting tens of thousands of people either in the street, unemployed or both! Natural disasters like this can not be prevented, but they can be prepared for by every business - whether they are small or large.
Most fires are caused by flammable liquids or gaseous substances which become ignited by nature, accident or by arson. We can control virtually all flammable liquids and gases if we are diligent in managing their use, storage and transportation. Obvious things are: don't store gasoline soaked rags near the gas water heater; or other such situations. In business, chemicals and cleaning agents are frequently used in the manufacture and maintenance of products and facilities. Some of these "common" substances, when mixed together have disastrous results.
The manager of each department (or the person most familiar with these substances) should evaluate all of your procedures for the use, storage and transportation of them, providing a written report to senior management of their findings and recommendations.
Next, schedule a visit by your local Fire Marshall or Fire Inspector to review your facility and make recommendations. This should be an "Advisory Inspection" and not a mandated "Fire Inspection". The latter could produce severe reprimands, fines or "Red Tagged" shut-downs, if things are found to be negligent. These people are trained experts. Heed their advice. Their assistance should be free.
Now, here is a partial list of the things we can
not prevent from starting fires:
Underground Natural Gas lines; Electrical transformers and
vaults; and Main electrical panels.
Several sensitive "sniffers" are available that warn of an impending concentration of fumes. These may be connected to your alarm system for instant notification to your staff.
In addition to the above, concerns such as: cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other burning/smoking/smoldering substances disposed of incorrectly, discarded or just plain carelessness cause the majority of fires. Be careful... it is not only where we work, who we work with... but where we get our paycheck.
Your local library is a great resource. So is the internet. Here are a few selected URL links:
http://www.nfpa.org/ National Fire Prevention Association
http://www.orcbs.msu.edu/ Michigan State Univ. - Radiation, Chemical & Biological Safety
http://www.seriousaccidents.com/legal-articles/understanding-NFPA-chemical-hazard-labels.php Understanding NFPA Hazard Labels
http://www.lafd.org/disaster-prep.htm Los Angeles, California Fire Department
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/fdny/html/home2.html New York City, New York Fire Department
... and don't forget your local Fire Department. Ask for your Fire Marshall's Office, they have tons of information.
Well... newer ones are being built as fireproof as possible!
No more old wood frame buildings. New buildings are constructed with materials such as: rolled steel studs, replacing the old 2" X 4" wood studs, etc. Thicker plasterboard (drywall) to retard the spread of fire longer. Better insulated wiring. Overhanging eaves are being redesigned so they don't trap flames and cause structure loss.
Electrical circuits have to meet tighter guidelines for each loop and breaker. Wall outlets, lighting and appliances must be on separate circuits.
Outside surfaces are being made from non-flammable or fire-retardant materials. There are new foam spray-on retardants.
Sprinkler systems and smoke detection systems are required in new office buildings - especially high-rise.
Automatically closing doors, when a fire alarm is activated, prevent fire from racing down hallways.
Now, all we have to do is eliminate paper, desks, chairs and people and we'll have the perfect fire-proof building!
Until then, we will need to have a plan of action in the event a fire occurs. A Disaster Recovery Plan. Call us to get your's going.