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Performance Details

Department of Public Safety - Fire and Life Safety

Mission

Prevent the loss of life and property from fire and explosion.

Core Services

  • Fire training programs and public education.
  • Fire and life safety inspections.
  • Building plan review for code compliance.
Arrow GraphicMission Results Core Services
A: Reduce loss of life due to fire. Details >
  • TARGET #1: Reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annual fatalities
A1: Fire training programs and public education. Details >
  • TARGET #1: Reduce fire fatalities in high-risk groups to less than 3.5 annual fatalities
  • TARGET #2: Reduce fires in high-loss regions to less than 773 annual fires
  • TARGET #3: Reduce alcohol and drug related fire fatalities to less than 9 fatalities
A2: Fire and life safety inspections. Details >
  • TARGET #1: 30% of all buildings scheduled for priority fire and life safety building inspections to be found in compliance at time of inspection
Arrow GraphicMission Results Core Services
B: Reduce property loss due to fire. Details >
  • TARGET #1: Reduce annual property loss to less than $48 million
  • TARGET #2: Reduce the number of structure fires to less than 1,176
    structure fires per year
B1: Building plan review for code compliance. Details >
  • TARGET #1: Complete 95% of initial building plan reviews within 14 days
  • TARGET #2: Reduce property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures to less than $48 million annually

Performance Detail


A: Result -Reduce loss of life due to fire.
    Target #1: Reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annual fatalities

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

(DF&LS). A note on methodology: The graph has been simplified with replacing the floating 5-year averages by a fixed target. The target was achieved by averaging the number of unintentional fatalities over a 10-year period, subtracting 5%, and dividing by 10. The target itself is, however, not acceptable--only zero fire fatalities are acceptable.
Number of Fatal Fires with DF&LS Authority vs Number of Fatal Fires with No DF&LS Authority
Year
Total Fatalities
No F&LS Authority
Within F&LS Auth
2024
29
+26.09%
8
-52.94%
0
0%
2023
23
-4.17%
17
-26.09%
0
-100.00%
2022
24
+20.00%
23
+21.05%
1
0%
2021
20
+25.00%
19
+26.67%
1
0%
2020
16
-11.11%
15
-6.25%
1
-50.00%
2019
18
+63.64%
16
+45.45%
2
0%
2018
11
-42.11%
11
-35.29%
0
-100.00%
2017
19
+5.56%
17
0%
2
+100.00%
2016
18
+5.88%
17
0%
1
0%
2015
17
+41.67%
17
+41.67%
0
0%
2014
12
-25.00%
12
-20.00%
0
-100.00%
2013
16
-30.43%
15
-25.00%
1
-66.67%
2012
23
+109.09%
20
+100.00%
3
+200.00%
2011
11
-8.33%
10
-16.67%
1
0%
2010
12
-45.45%
12
-42.86%
0
-100.00%
2009
22
+15.79%
21
+23.53%
1
-50.00%
2008
19
-20.83%
17
-22.73%
2
0%
2007
24
+14.29%
22
+15.79%
2
0%
2006
21
19
2
Analysis of results and challenges: In 2024, no fire fatalities occurred within the division`s statutory jurisdiction. Statewide, 27 fatalities were recorded, including 20 in single- or two-family dwellings, one in a multi-residential structure, two in a tribal jail, two in a mobile home, and two in travel trailers used as residences. Nine fatalities occurred within deferred jurisdictions. Alcohol or drug-related fatalities declined 41 percent, from 17 in 2023 to 10 in 2024. Smoke alarms were missing or nonfunctional in 78 percent of fatal incidents. Using grant funding from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the division distributed more than 400 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to underserved households, improving safety outreach and early detection statewide.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 12/08/2025

A1: Core Service - Fire training programs and public education.
    Target #1: Reduce fire fatalities in high-risk groups to less than 3.5 annual fatalities

Methodology: Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

. The graph has been simplified and floating averages over a 5-year period have been replaced by a hard target. The target was calculated by averaging the number of high-risk fatalities over a 10-year period, subtracting 10%, and dividing by 10. The target itself is, however, not acceptable--only zero fire fatalities are acceptable.
Number of Fire Fatalities in High-Risk Groups
Year
Total Fire Fatalities
High-Risk Fatalities
2024
29
+26.09%
9
+50.00%
2023
23
-4.17%
6
-25.00%
2022
24
+20.00%
8
-20.00%
2021
20
+25.00%
10
+25.00%
2020
16
-11.11%
8
+100.00%
2019
18
+63.64%
4
-20.00%
2018
11
-42.11%
5
-37.50%
2017
19
+5.56%
8
+166.67%
2016
18
+5.88%
3
-72.73%
2015
17
+41.67%
11
+450.00%
2014
12
-25.00%
2
-50.00%
2013
16
-30.43%
4
-50.00%
2012
23
+109.09%
8
+166.67%
2011
11
-8.33%
3
-40.00%
2010
12
-45.45%
5
-16.67%
2009
22
+29.41%
6
+20.00%
2008
17
-29.17%
5
-50.00%
2007
24
+20.00%
10
+150.00%
2006
20
4
Analysis of results and challenges: In 2024, Alaska recorded nine fire fatalities among high-risk groups, an increase from six in 2023. Seniors over age 65 accounted for eight deaths, while one involved a child under age 10. These groups represented 31 percent of total fire fatalities. Most occurred in residential homes or trailers. The division continues targeted prevention through school programs, community outreach, and statewide events that reach an estimated 10,000 Alaskans annually. Public education remains a central strategy to reduce fatal fires among older adults and children.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 10/20/2025

    Target #2: Reduce fires in high-loss regions to less than 773 annual fires

Methodology: Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

The graph has been simplified and floating averages over a 5-year period have been replaced by a hard target. The target was calculated by averaging the number of fires over a 10-year period, subtracting 10%, and dividing by 10.
Number of Fires in Targeted Regions - Western Alaska, Central Alaska, and Anchorage
Year
Fires in Targeted Reg.
2024
905
+6.35%
2023
851
+0.24%
2022
849
+4.81%
2021
810
-11.67%
2020
917
-8.94%
2019
1007
+24.32%
2018
810
+7.43%
2017
754
-3.70%
2016
783
-9.90%
2015
869
+0.93%
2014
861
-0.23%
2013
863
+2.13%
2012
845
+2.67%
2011
823
+2.36%
2010
804
-9.66%
2009
890
+8.01%
2008
824
-3.06%
2007
850
-9.48%
2006
939
Analysis of results and challenges: Target regions are those areas of the state that experience a proportionately higher number of fires. Fire incident reports indicate the greatest number of fires consistently occur in western Alaska, central Alaska, and Anchorage. Therefore, the division has targeted these areas for increased educational and inspection efforts to reduce fires.

In 2024, 905 fires occurred in the state`s three highest-risk regions—western Alaska, central Alaska, and Anchorage—representing a 6.3 percent increase from 851 in 2023. These areas account for more than half of Alaska`s reported fires each year. The division continues to focus inspection and education resources in these regions to reduce incidents through prevention and public awareness.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 10/20/2025

    Target #3: Reduce alcohol and drug related fire fatalities to less than 9 fatalities

Methodology: Source: Fire and Life Safety Division

The graph has been simplified and floating averages over a 3-year period have been replaced by a hard target. The target was calculated by averaging the number of fatalities over a 9-year period, subtracting 10%, and dividing by 9. The target itself is, however, not acceptable--only zero fire fatalities are acceptable.
Alcohol and Drug Related Fire Fatalities
Year
Yearly Fatalities
Drugs/Alcohol a Factor
2024
29
+26.09%
10
-41.18%
2023
23
-4.17%
17
+41.67%
2022
24
+20.00%
12
+100.00%
2021
20
+25.00%
6
-14.29%
2020
16
-11.11%
7
-22.22%
2019
18
+63.64%
9
+80.00%
2018
11
-42.11%
5
+150.00%
2017
19
+5.56%
2
-83.33%
2016
18
+5.88%
12
+500.00%
2015
17
+41.67%
2
-71.43%
2014
12
-25.00%
7
-41.67%
2013
16
-30.43%
12
-7.69%
2012
23
+109.09%
13
+116.67%
2011
11
-8.33%
6
+20.00%
2010
12
-45.45%
5
-64.29%
2009
22
+29.41%
14
+100.00%
2008
17
-29.17%
7
-41.67%
2007
24
+20.00%
12
-29.41%
2006
20
17
Analysis of results and challenges: Alcohol and drug-related fire fatalities declined from 17 in 2023 to 10 in 2024, nearing the target of fewer than nine annual deaths. Toxicology reports show substance impairment in more than one-third of fatal residential fires. The division collaborates with partner agencies and community organizations to promote prevention messages that address impairment, home safety, and early evacuation awareness.

Target Last Modified: 10/20/2025


A2: Core Service - Fire and life safety inspections.
    Target #1: 30% of all buildings scheduled for priority fire and life safety building inspections to be found in compliance at time of inspection

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety



In FY2013, the type of chart used was changed and the total number of inspections completed is provided to show context to the number of buildings in and out of compliance.

Chart updated to show previous ten-year view.
Percentage of Buildings in Compliance with Legal Standards According to Inspections
Fiscal Year
Total Inspections
Buildings in Compliance
YTD % in Compliance
FY 2025
661
-45.01%
517
+136.07%
78.21%
FY 2024
1202
+182.16%
219
-8.75%
18.22%
FY 2023
426
-35.84%
240
+6.19%
56%
FY 2022
664
+214.69%
226
+425.58%
34%
FY 2021
211
-19.47%
43
-38.57%
20%
FY 2020
262
-83.79%
70
-85.66%
26.72%
FY 2019
1616
+91.24%
488
+577.78%
30.19%
FY 2018
845
-37.41%
72
-79.13%
8.52%
FY 2017
1,350
-39.62%
345
+25.00%
25.56%
FY 2016
2,236
+17.87%
276
-73.20%
12.34%
Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2025, Deputy Fire Marshals completed 661 inspections, with 78 percent of buildings found in compliance at the time of inspection, meeting the 30 percent target threshold. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline program conducted 214 inspections, achieving 94 percent compliance. The reduction from FY2024 reflected one vacancy and expanded permitting workload. The Life Safety Inspection Bureau completed 4,442 follow-up actions to ensure deficiencies were corrected and provided technical assistance to building owners. Inspections continue to prioritize high-risk occupancies to reduce injury, property loss, and community disruption.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 10/22/2025


B: Result -Reduce property loss due to fire.
    Target #1: Reduce annual property loss to less than $48 million

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

The graph has been simplified and floating averages over a 5-year period have been replaced by a hard target. The target was calculated by averaging the amount of yearly property loss over a 10-year period, subtracting 5%, dividing by 10, and rounding to the nearest million.
Dollar Value of Property Loss from Fire (in millions)
Year
Yearly Property Loss
2024
$91.0
2023
$73.0
2022
$80.6
2021
$70.0
2020
$72.0
2019
$79.2
2018
$54.4
2017
$95.2
2016
$60.9
2015
$55.6
2014
$66.2
2013
$47.2
2012
$55.2
2011
$45.2
2010
$33.7
2009
$29.2
2008
$68.2
2007
$91.1
2006
$74.7
Analysis of results and challenges: Property loss from fire totaled $91 million in 2024, a 25 percent increase from $73 million in 2023. These five major fires consumed over $25.79 million in property loss: the South Tongass fire station fire property loss was $16 million, the Haines mercantile/business multi use building fire loss was $5.5 million, St. Mary`s multifamily dwelling fire property loss was over $1.5 million, the Kivalina bingo hall and community center building fire loss was $1.5 million and Stebbins lost multiple buildings which was reported as $1.5 million. The division continues to address property loss through plan reviews, inspections, and prevention initiatives focused on high-risk occupancies.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 12/08/2025

    Target #2: Reduce the number of structure fires to less than 1,176
structure fires per year

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety

The graph has been simplified and floating averages over a 3-year period have been replaced by a hard target. The target was calculated by averaging the number of structure fires over a 10-year period, subtracting 5%, and dividing by 10.
Number of Structure Fires
Year
Structure Fires
2024
1,218
+6.10%
2023
1,148
-2.55%
2022
1,178
-1.34%
2021
1,194
-4.71%
2020
1,253
-7.46%
2019
1,354
+18.67%
2018
1,141
+0.62%
2015
1,216
-2.95%
2014
1,253
+1.38%
2013
1,236
-0.08%
2012
1,237
+1.98%
Analysis of results and challenges: The number of structure fires rose 6.9 percent, from 1,148 in 2023 to 1,218 in 2024, exceeding the annual target of 1,176. The division continues to focus on inspections, code compliance reviews, and community education to reduce structural fire frequency statewide.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 10/20/2025

B1: Core Service - Building plan review for code compliance.
    Target #1: Complete 95% of initial building plan reviews within 14 days

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety
Initial Building Plan Reviews Completed within 14 days
Fiscal Year
Plan reviews submitted
# completed on time
% completed on time
FY 2025
1069
+11.24%
983
+14.97%
92%
FY 2024
961
+7.74%
855
+52.14%
89%
FY 2023
892
+14.95%
562
+50.67%
65%
FY 2022
776
-0.51%
373
+76.78%
48%
FY 2021
780
+10.80%
211
-1.86%
27%
FY 2020
704
-29.67%
215
+4.88%
30%
FY 2019
1001
+21.33%
205
-24.63%
20%
FY 2018
825
-14.60%
272
-59.94%
33%
FY 2017
966
-10.31%
679
-22.49%
70%
FY 2016
1,077
-2.00%
876
-7.79%
81%
FY 2015
1,099
-13.05%
950
+24.18%
86%
FY 2014
1,264
+15.22%
765
-12.37%
61%
FY 2013
1,097
+10.36%
873
+21.76%
80%
FY 2012
994
-2.17%
717
+6.22%
72%
FY 2011
1,016
-5.49%
675
-16.04%
66%
FY 2010
1,075
-13.93%
804
-6.62%
68%
FY 2009
1,249
+21.97%
861
+19.92%
69%
FY 2008
1,024
+27.68%
718
+6.37%
70%
FY 2007
802
675
84%
Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2025, the division completed 1,069 plan reviews, with 983 (92 percent) finalized within 14 days. Although slightly below the 95 percent target, timeliness improved from the prior year. Four of five examiners were fully certified, and the web-based plan review system is now fully implemented statewide, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. Review volume continues to track with statewide construction activity.

Target Last Modified: 10/20/2025

    Target #2: Reduce property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures to less than $48 million annually

Methodology: Source: Division of Fire and Life Safety



In 2022 the target dollar amount was increased from $28 million annually to $48 million annually to reflect the significant increase in construction costs.

The graph has been simplified and floating averages over a 3-year period have been replaced by a hard target. The target was calculated by averaging the cost of residential property loss over a 10-year period, subtracting 10%, dividing by 10, and rounding to the nearest million.
Property Loss from Fire in Targeted Occupancies/Residential Structures (in millions)
Year
Property Loss Amount
2024
$43.6
2023
$47.0
2022
$58.0
2021
$44.0
2020
$31.8
2019
$50.4
2018
$28.6
2017
$33.6
2016
$26.4
2015
$31.9
2014
$25.6
2013
$29.2
2012
$31.7
2011
$27.0
2010
$21.3
2009
$20.9
2008
$26.2
2007
$57.1
2006
$50.0
Analysis of results and challenges: Residential property losses totaled $43.6 million in 2024, a 7.3 percent decrease from $47 million in 2023, meeting the annual target of less than $48 million. Residential structures continue to account for Alaska`s highest fire-related property losses. The division remains focused on prevention, education, and plan reviews of multifamily residential buildings to improve fire safety compliance and reduce risk statewide.

Target Last Modified: 10/20/2025

Last refreshed: 02/13/2026 05:00 pm