However, these catastrophes can be significantly reduced with improved fire stop systems specification and installation awareness among architects, engineers, contractors, code inspectors, and building owners, according to a new public service video co-produced by the International Firestop Council (IFC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report reveals U.S. structure fires in 2010 accounted for only 37 percent of fires, but resulted in 2,755 deaths and $9.7 billion in property damage. Every year many fire-related deaths are attributed to poor flame and smoke containment that occur with inadequately sealed joints and penetrations for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, communications and other building trades, as demonstrated in the video.