Workplace fires are more common—and more dangerous—than many people realize. 

In fact, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), fires and explosions are responsible for around 2% of all workplace fatalities in Canada each year. 

While that number may seem small, the impact is devastating—not just for workers and their families, but also for employers who face serious legal, financial, and reputational damage.

Fire safety in the workplace is not just about meeting safety codes; it's about protecting lives, equipment, and livelihoods. A single fire can shut down operations for weeks, cause permanent injuries, or lead to costly lawsuits. 

Despite the risks, many businesses still overlook basic safety steps, like regular fire drills or keeping extinguishers in working condition.

This article shares 10 eye-opening statistics on fire safety in the workplace that every Canadian employer needs to know. 

These stats will help you understand the real risks, spot gaps in your current fire safety plans, and take action to protect your team and business.

Whether you run a small office or a large warehouse, these numbers will give you the insight you need to improve fire safety and avoid becoming part of the next report.

10 Fire Safety Statistics Every Employer Needs to Know

Following are ten powerful statistics that uncover the real risks of fire in Canadian workplaces.

From causes and costs to survival rates and prevention gaps, these facts will help employers understand where their fire safety efforts may be falling short—and what they can do to protect their teams and business.

1. Workplace Fires Occur Annually

Each year, approximately 13,297 fires occur in offices, retail stores, and similar workplaces across Canada, according to the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Workplace fires are far more frequent than many Canadian employers realize. These aren’t isolated incidents—they represent a significant ongoing risk across industries, from retail and hospitality to manufacturing and healthcare. 

While some fires result in minimal damage, many cause injuries, deaths, and long-term business disruptions.

The Business Impact of These Fires

Disruption of operations: Fires can lead to temporary or permanent business closures.

• Financial losses: Even a small fire can destroy costly equipment or inventory, with insurance often not covering full recovery.
• Reputation damage: When safety is compromised, trust from customers, partners, and employees can erode.
• Legal consequences: If it’s found that proper fire prevention measures weren’t in place, fines and liability lawsuits can follow.

Why This Statistic Matters

This statistic highlight the importance of fire prevention in the workplace. Even one fire can create ripple effects that impact employee morale, business revenue, and brand image.

Employers often underestimate the frequency of workplace fires because many are not widely reported—especially if they are handled internally or don't result in major damage. 

However, the number clearly shows that fire safety should be treated as an ongoing priority, not a one-time checklist item.

What Employers Can Do

To prevent your business from becoming part of this statistic, consider the following actions:

• Conduct regular fire drills to ensure employees know evacuation routes and procedures.
• Install and maintain fire alarms and sprinklers according to provincial building codes.
• Review electrical equipment regularly to reduce the risk of short circuits and overheating.
• Train staff on proper storage of flammable materials and use of fire extinguishers.
• Create a fire safety plan and post it visibly in all areas of your workplace.

By understanding just how common workplace fires are—and how devastating their effects can be—employers can begin to prioritize prevention and improve safety culture. 

The rest of the blog will build on this foundation, presenting even more stats that shed light on overlooked risks and urgent opportunities for action.

2. Fires Caused by Electrical Issues

Electrical equipment contributes to nearly 1 in 4 structure fires in commercial buildings.

Electrical malfunctions are one of the top causes of fires in Canadian workplaces. From overloaded circuits to faulty wiring and aging machinery, electrical issues can spark fires that quickly grow out of control—especially in office buildings, warehouses, and factories where equipment runs continuously.

How Electrical Fires Start

• Overloaded power strips and extension cords that aren't meant for long-term use
• Poor wiring installations or degraded wires behind walls
• Malfunctioning machinery or equipment that overheats or sparks
• Lack of routine inspection, especially in older buildings

Why This Is Alarming

One in four fires being linked to electrical causes is a wake-up call for employers. It means that a quarter of workplace fires are largely preventable with the right safety measures in place. 

Many businesses don’t prioritize electrical inspections until something goes wrong—but by then, it may be too late.

Electrical fires also tend to spread quickly and cause high-value losses, especially in facilities filled with electronic devices, flammable packaging, or combustible dust.

What Employers Should Do

• Schedule regular electrical inspections by licensed electricians.
• Upgrade outdated wiring—especially in buildings over 20 years old.
• Limit the use of extension cords and avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
• Provide training on how to spot early signs of electrical faults (e.g., flickering lights, hot outlets).
• Install proper surge protection for computers and heavy machinery.

Real-World Application

Many insurance claims for workplace fires involve some form of electrical failure. Implementing an electrical maintenance program not only reduces risk but can also lower insurance premiums. Prevention here is not just smart—it’s cost-effective.

3. Cost of Fire-Related Injuries

$299 million is spent annually in Canada on fire and burn-related injuries.

The financial burden of fire-related injuries is staggering. This $299 million figure reflects medical costs, lost wages, insurance claims, and long-term rehabilitation. 

These are not just numbers—they represent real people whose lives have been changed forever due to burns, smoke inhalation, or trauma from workplace fires.

Breaking Down the Costs

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, skin grafts, and rehab
• Workplace compensation claims: Lost income, benefits, and return-to-work programs
• Insurance rate hikes: Businesses pay more after injury claims
• Productivity losses: Injured workers may be off work for months, or may never return

Who Pays the Price?

While the injured workers bear the emotional and physical cost, businesses shoulder the financial impact. A single serious injury can drain thousands of dollars from a company’s operating budget, not to mention lead to investigations and citations from workplace safety regulators.

Fire Safety Measures That Can Help

• Install fire alarms and smoke detectors in all zones of the workplace
• Provide fire extinguisher training to staff so small fires don’t turn deadly
• Keep exits and stairwells clear to speed up evacuation during an emergency
• Offer PPE (personal protective equipment) for roles with fire exposure risk

The Human Cost Behind the Stat

It’s easy to get lost in big numbers like "$299 million," but every dollar represents someone’s pain and recovery. 

Employers have both a legal and moral duty to ensure that their teams are protected. Fire safety isn't just about compliance—it's about care.

By investing in fire prevention, businesses not only reduce financial risk but show their people they value safety. Prevention is always cheaper—and more humane—than recovery.

4. Fire Control Methods

49% of workplace fires were successfully controlled by water application, 17% by handheld extinguishers, and 13% using other aids. Shockingly, 14% burned out without any intervention.

This statistic paints a clear picture: fires that are addressed early with proper equipment and trained responders are much more likely to be contained—and cause far less damage. 

But the 14% that were left to burn out on their own are deeply concerning, as they suggest workplaces where staff either didn’t act or didn’t have the means to do so.

What Controlled These Fires?

• Water application (49%): Sprinkler systems or water hoses installed in buildings played the largest role in fire control.
• Fire extinguishers (17%): When staff were able to respond quickly using handheld extinguishers, many fires were stopped before spreading.
• Other methods (13%): These include fire blankets, suppression systems, and on-site emergency services.

Fires That Burned Out on Their Own

• No one intervened (14%): Fires were either not noticed in time or deemed too dangerous to fight.
• Severe risk to safety: These situations often result in greater damage and higher injury risks, especially in buildings with limited emergency response options.

Why This Matters for Employers

• Fire response tools must be accessible: Extinguishers, hoses, and alarms should be visible and easy to use.
• Training is crucial: Workers should know what to do and when—not every fire can be safely handled without support.
• No-response fires are unacceptable: Relying on luck is not a fire prevention strategy.

What Employers Should Do

• Conduct regular fire safety drills
• Ensure all fire safety tools are working and within expiry dates
• Provide staff with hands-on extinguisher training
• Maintain a clear fire escape route policy
• Being ready is better than being lucky. Every second counts, and every tool matters.

5. Businesses Don’t Survive a Fire

48% of companies go out of business after experiencing a fire.

This is one of the most devastating stats in the fire safety world. Nearly half of businesses affected by fire never reopen. 

The damage goes beyond charred walls and ruined products—it affects customer trust, supplier relationships, and employee livelihoods.

Why Fires Are So Damaging to Business

• Loss of physical assets: Equipment, stock, and documents may be destroyed.
• Interruption of operations: Weeks or months of downtime can break cash flow.
• Loss of customer confidence: Clients may take their business elsewhere during closure.
• Insurance gaps: Not all fire losses are covered; many claims are delayed or denied.

The Real Cost of a Fire

• Lost revenue during downtime
• Rebuilding and repair costs
• Hiring or retraining new staff
• Paying out existing contracts and wages with no incoming cash

How to Improve Business Survival Odds

• Have a business continuity plan: Know how to communicate with customers, relocate, and resume operations.
• Train employees on fire safety and evacuation: Reduce chaos during an emergency.
• Invest in fire suppression systems: Early detection and automatic response can minimize damage.
• Keep offsite backups of critical business data and documents.

Surviving a fire isn’t just about luck. It’s about planning and prevention. Businesses that take fire safety seriously have a much better chance of bouncing back.

6. Fires Caused by Human Error

50% of workplace fires are caused by human error.

That’s right—half of all workplace fires are preventable. They happen not because of faulty machines or lightning strikes, but because someone made a mistake—left equipment running, smoked near flammables, or ignored safety protocols.

Common Human Mistakes Leading to Fire

• Leaving appliances on overnight or unattended
• Improper storage of flammable materials like cleaning agents or fuels
• Blocking fire exits or covering smoke detectors
• Smoking in unauthorized areas
• Neglecting to report hazards such as damaged wiring or strong smells

Why This Is a Major Concern

• When fire risk depends so heavily on human behaviour, it becomes harder to predict—but easier to prevent. 
• Unlike mechanical failures, human error can be reduced significantly through education, accountability, and safety culture.

How to Reduce Human Error

• Provide ongoing training on fire safety, equipment use, and hazard reporting
• Establish clear fire protocols that employees must follow
• Encourage a safety-first culture where speaking up is rewarded
• Appoint fire wardens or safety leads in each department

What Employers Can Learn

Fire safety is everyone’s job. By recognizing that human error causes most workplace fires, employers can shift from a passive to a proactive approach—focusing on training, communication, and daily safety checks.

7. Impact of Fires on Employee Health

Up to 80% of fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.

When thinking about fire safety, many imagine flames and burns. But the truth is more alarming: the leading cause of fire-related deaths is smoke inhalation, not burns. 

The toxic fumes released during a fire can disable or kill a person in minutes—often before flames even reach them. This makes fire safety not just a structural concern but a serious health risk for workers.

Health Effects of Smoke Inhalation

• Immediate symptoms: Coughing, shortness of breath, eye irritation, and confusion
• Severe outcomes: Loss of consciousness, brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, cardiac arrest
• Long-term effects: Lung damage, chronic respiratory problems, and PTSD from fire trauma

Why This Should Concern Employers

Even a small fire can fill a room with toxic smoke within minutes. If workers don’t have access to quick evacuation paths or fail to receive early warnings, the risk of injury—or death—increases dramatically. 

This stat highlights how life-threatening the air in a fire zone becomes, especially in enclosed workplaces like factories or offices.

How Employers Can Protect Employee Health

• Install smoke detectors in all areas, including storage rooms and break areas
• Ensure fire alarms are loud and visible (strobe lights for hearing-impaired workers)
• Educate employees on smoke inhalation symptoms and quick evacuation
• Create a fire evacuation plan and practice it quarterly
• Maintain clean air ducts and vents to prevent rapid smoke spread

The Human Cost

Beyond numbers, this is about the lives of real people—colleagues, friends, and families. Ensuring proper fire detection and fast evacuation saves lives. 

And when you realize that smoke alone is responsible for 80% of fire-related deaths, it becomes clear: fire safety is a health policy.

8. Fire Deaths in Nonresidential Buildings

Deaths from nonresidential building fires increased by 70% from 2014 to 2023.

This statistic reveals a disturbing trend—fires in nonresidential buildings, such as offices, factories, and warehouses, are not only more frequent but increasingly fatal. 

A 70% rise in fire-related deaths over the past decade signals that many of these environments are not prepared for fire emergencies.

What Are Nonresidential Buildings?

• Office spaces: Often filled with electronics, paper, and wiring
• Warehouses: High stacks of inventory and limited exits
• Factories: Machinery, flammable materials, and human error risks

These spaces often operate without sufficient fire suppression systems or updated safety training, making them especially vulnerable.

Why the Increase in Fire Fatalities?

• Outdated safety systems: Old buildings without sprinklers or functioning alarms
• Neglected fire drills: Many companies skip or delay emergency preparedness
• Lack of awareness: Employees unsure of how to respond or where to evacuate
• Blocked exits or poor layout designs preventing smooth evacuations

What Employers Must Do Now

• Audit your fire safety systems: Are your alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lights up to code?
• Conduct fire drills regularly: Include everyone—day and night shift staff
• Update evacuation routes: Post visible maps in all departments
• Inspect all high-risk zones: Electrical rooms, kitchens, and storage areas

A Warning You Can’t Ignore

A 70% increase isn’t just a statistic—it’s a sign that fires are becoming more dangerous and workplaces are not keeping up with prevention. 

When death rates climb in work environments, the need for stronger compliance and faster action becomes urgent.

Don’t wait for an inspection or emergency to realize you’re unprepared. Fire prevention is not just about saving property—it’s about saving lives.

9. Knowledge Gap of Fire Equipment

Only about 24% of workers know which fire extinguisher to use for different fire types.

This statistic exposes a critical and often overlooked weakness in workplace fire safety: most employees simply don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher properly, especially when it comes to using the right one for the right kind of fire.

With so many different types—Class A, B, C, D, and K—each designed for specific fire sources, using the wrong extinguisher can make a bad situation worse.

Why This Knowledge Gap Exists

• Lack of fire training: Many workplaces either skip fire extinguisher training or provide only basic theoretical guidance.
• Confusing labelling: Not all extinguishers are clearly marked or explained.
• Complacency: Some employers assume extinguishers are "just there" for show and will be handled by firefighters.
• One-size-fits-all mindset: Employees often believe one extinguisher works for every fire.

The Consequences of Misuse

• Escalation of fire: Using a water-based extinguisher on an electrical or grease fire can cause the fire to spread or create explosions.
• Injury or death: Incorrect use may expose employees to heat, fumes, or shock.
• Wasted opportunity: A fire that could’ve been controlled in seconds may burn out of control if the extinguisher fails or is misused.

Different Classes of Fires & Extinguishers

It’s essential for all employees to understand these basic distinctions:

• Class A: Paper, wood, cloth – use water or foam extinguishers
• Class B: Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil) – use CO₂ or dry chemical extinguishers
• Class C: Electrical fires – use CO₂ or dry chemical (never water)
• Class D: Metals – use dry powder extinguishers
• Class K: Cooking oils and fats – use wet chemical extinguishers (common in commercial kitchens)

Knowing which one to use can be the difference between a safe escape and disaster.

What Employers Should Do

• Conduct hands-on fire extinguisher training: Go beyond theory—let staff practice using extinguishers in controlled scenarios.
• Use colour-coded signage and simplified charts near fire safety stations.
• Include extinguisher training in onboarding and refresh it annually.
• Appoint fire safety leads or marshals who are fully trained on equipment.

Saving Lives Through Training

This statistic is not just about safety—it’s about confidence and preparation. When workers are trained and know exactly how to act in the first seconds of a fire, they can stop an incident from escalating and protect both people and property.

Educating employees on the proper use of fire extinguishers is one of the most effective, low-cost fire safety investments a business can make. Don’t let your team fall into the 76% who aren’t prepared when it matters most.

10. Demographics Affected by Fire Fatalities

In British Columbia, 34% of fire-related deaths involved people over 65, and 11% involved those over 80.

This powerful statistic shows that older adults are disproportionately affected by fire-related fatalities, especially in workplace-adjacent or institutional settings like healthcare facilities, senior residences, and public buildings. 

As Canada’s population continues to age, these numbers are only expected to rise—putting greater pressure on employers and building managers to improve fire safety planning for seniors.

Canada’s Aging Population

2021 Canadian Census data shows that adults aged 65+ make up nearly one in five Canadians, and this percentage is growing.

Life expectancy is increasing, which means more elderly individuals remain active in public, community, or semi-workplace environments.

Many seniors live independently or work part-time, often in community centres, places of worship, or commercial spaces that may lack proper fire accommodations.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

• Reduced mobility: Difficulty walking or reacting quickly to alarms or smoke
• Hearing/vision impairments: May not notice alarms or fire signs promptly
• Chronic health conditions: Breathing issues or slower reflexes can make evacuation harder
• Medication side effects: May reduce alertness or ability to follow instructions during emergencies

Even with functioning alarms and sprinklers, a delayed response can be fatal for older individuals.

Workplace and Facility Responsibilities

Employers and administrators must adapt their fire safety strategies to accommodate aging individuals who work, volunteer, or visit their facilities.

Key steps include:

• Ensure alarm systems are both auditory and visual to support hearing- or vision-impaired individuals
• Create accessible evacuation routes with ramps, elevators, and wide passages
• Train staff on how to assist elderly individuals in emergencies
• Assign fire wardens specifically for areas with higher senior populations (e.g., lobbies, waiting rooms, care centres)
• Maintain mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers) near exit routes for emergency use

Public Education and Senior-Specific Initiatives

• Fire prevention workshops for seniors hosted at local community centres
• Educational materials in large-print or audio formats for accessibility
• Home safety assessments for employees or clients who are older adults working remotely
• Check-in systems during building evacuations to ensure no one is left behind

As British Columbia’s stat shows, seniors already make up over a third of fire fatalities—a trend that could worsen without targeted prevention. With Canada’s aging demographic, fire safety policies must evolve to protect those most vulnerable.

Fire doesn’t discriminate by age, but preparedness must. Employers, building owners, and community leaders all share responsibility in building age-friendly fire safety systems—ones that protect every person, regardless of their physical limitations or age.

Conclusion

The statistics on fire safety in the workplace reveal a clear and urgent truth: fire remains a serious and often underestimated threat in Canadian work environments. 

From the staggering 13,000+ annual workplace fires to the sobering fact that nearly 50% of affected businesses never reopen, the data speaks for itself. 

We’ve seen how electrical issues, human error, and lack of proper training contribute significantly to fire risks—and how smoke inhalation, not flames, is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.

Equally concerning is the lack of awareness about how to properly use fire extinguishers, the interpretation of symbols, with only 24% of workers knowing which type to use in an emergency. 

The growing number of fire fatalities in nonresidential buildings and among older adults highlights the need for inclusive and updated fire safety strategies that meet the needs of vulnerable groups.

These aren’t just numbers. Each one represents a real incident, a real loss, and a real opportunity to improve. Employers must take action by reviewing fire safety protocols, investing in staff training, and ensuring that emergency equipment is accessible and functional.

Improving fire safety in the workplace isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting people, livelihoods, and the long-term health of your organization. 

Prevention costs far less than recovery. Start today by assessing your fire risk and taking steps to create a safer, more prepared workplace for everyone.