Statistics compiled by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) indicate school fires are most likely to occur during the month of July. Most of these fires are suspicious in nature. The fewest school fires are reported during the middle of the school year.
More than half of school fires occur between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., during the normal school day. Less than one-third of fires occur between 5:00 p.m. and midnight, with the rest (and fewest) between midnight and 8 a.m.
Statistics indicate fires are most common in bathrooms, the kitchen and smaller areas where students assemble. Most suspicious fires in bathrooms are started in trashcans. From 2003 to 2005, 40 percent of school fires occurred outdoors in trashcans, vehicles or wooded areas around the school.
Fires in bathroom areas are often started intentionally by student fire setters or caused by students smoking. Accidental fires in cooking areas are more likely to occur in preschool or daycare facilities.
Other causes of school fires include the improper use or storage of flammable liquids and the accumulation of trash on school property. Some fires are caused by the improper use of chemicals or the lack of proper ventilation in vocational training classrooms, such as motor repair and industrial arts.
Approximately one-third of all school fires are suspicious in nature, while slightly fewer (about 29 percent are due to cooking. The least likely cause of a school fire, according to the NFIRS, is heating and electrical systems.
Some safety measures are undertaken to prevent fires, and others are used to increase safety and prevent damage during a fire. For example, the Manitoba Schools Insurance Program recommends closing classroom and hallway doors after evacuating to prevent the spread of smoke. Safer construction materials and sprinkler systems help prevent or control fires. Other safety recommendations include the frequent checking of cords and electrical outlets; maintaining clear and unobstructed doorways; and the safe handling and storage of chemicals and cleaning supplies.
Fire drills are a well-known safety measure. They teach children how to behave in the event of a fire. Generally, fire drills occur two or more times a year. They are usually preplanned at the school district level. In some cases, schools work directly with local fire departments to teach children fire safety and awareness strategies.
Data from the NFIRS indicates some fires are started by children experimenting, but others are started by students who fall into the "delinquent" category. Recommendations to increase school fire safety include identifying students most likely to be involved in fire-setting behaviors. These include students involved in gang activity and those who do not possess the skills to express their feelings and frustrations.
Cooperation between teachers, local fire officials, police officers and the court system is strongly encouraged to identify possible offenders. Psychological intervention is encouraged when at-risk students are identified by school personnel. In addition, the U.S. government recommends in-school fire education safety and the quick reporting of any suspicious activity.