The U.S Fire Administration is a component of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They’re launching a national strategy to combat an increase in deadly fires.
- The chances of dying in a fire are higher today than 40 years ago because the building materials used today are far less resistant to fire than they were previously, Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, explained.
- A lot of buildings, especially public housing, are not equipped with sprinkler systems or automatic fire suppression systems, according to Moore-Merrell, making escape plans even more important.
- Firefighters are at an increased risk of cancer because many materials found inside homes and buildings release carcinogens as they burn, she said. The U.S. Fire Administration is looking at ways to address this.
- A new law says that if a building does not have hardwire smoke alarms, it must install either hardwire or tamper-proof smoke alarms, Moore-Merrell stated.
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BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 17: Firefighters on scene battle a massive fire at the Oakland Hills Country Club on February 17, 2022 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The fire started around 10 a.m. and the roof of the club house collapsed around 11 a.m. The century-old country club has hosted over a dozen major golf events including the 2006 Ryder Cup and recently announced that Oakland Hills would host the U.S. Women’s Open in 2031 and 2042. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
JERSEYDALE, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Cal Fire firefighters monitor a burn operation to battle the Oak Fire on July 24, 2022 near Jerseydale, California. The fast moving Oak Fire burning outside of Yosemite National Park has forced evacuations, charred over 14,000 acres and has destroyed several homes since starting on Friday afternoon. The fire is zero percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
