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.

Mission 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

Mission 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 $28 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

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
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 2021, Alaska had a 25% increase in fire fatalities with one occurring under the division"s statutory authority. There were 20 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. Of these, thirteen occurred in one or two-family dwellings, three occurred in a multi-residential structure, one occurred in an abandoned commercial garage, and two occurred in mobile homes and one occurred in a travel trailer used as a primary residence. The division did not reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annually. Of the 20 fire fatalities, four occurred within deferred jurisdictions. The division had significant success in all other occupancy types where it is empowered by statutory authority to act.

Smoke alarms were not installed, failed to work or were undermined in 80% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug use-related fire fatalities decreased by 14% (from 7 in 2020 to 6 in 2021).

Fire and Life Safety data are reported on a calendar year basis. Visit http://dps.alaska.gov/fire/AlaskaFireStatistics for annual reports and more information.
Related links:

Alaska Fire Statistics

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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
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: Nationally, children under 10 years old and seniors over 65 years old have been identified to be at higher risk for fire related fatalities. Fire fatalities in high-risk groups increased by 25% (from 8 in 2020 to 10 in 2021). Alaska also had this trend in 2021, as those age groups made up 50% of fire fatalities. There were nine fatalities over 65 years old and one under 10 years old. Residential homes or trailers were the occupancy types where 80% of the high-risk fire fatalities occurred. The division did not meet the target goal of reducing fire fatalities in high-risk groups to less than 3.5 annual fatalities, but will continue to focus efforts and resources on these groups. Public education at schools, clubs, conferences, state fairs, smart phone applications, etc., are utilized to provide education to the public and counter the loss of life.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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.
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 2021, the number of fires in these targeted regions decreased by 12% compared to 2020. It is anecdotally suspected that many of the fires are due to drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, unattended cooking, and/or the presence of combustible items that are placed too close to heat-producing equipment.
Related links:

Alaska Fire Statistics

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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
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: In 2021, the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities decreased from seven in 2020 to six in FY2021 meeting the target goal of less than nine.

Impairment due to alcohol and drug-use can cause carelessness, poor judgment, and decreased motor skills leading to fires from unattended cooking, heating sources or the misuse of combustible material. Impairment contributes to the inability to recognize the danger, hear and respond to smoke alarms, escape from a burning dwelling, or assist others in reaching safety.

Data was obtained from victim autopsy toxicology reports or from blood alcohol tests on persons who contributed to fires related to fatalities. The division continues to work with its partners, foundations, public service organizations and state agencies that advocate reducing intoxication and its negative effects on society.

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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.

Percentage of Buildings in Compliance with Legal Standards According to Inspections

Fiscal Year	Total Inspections	Buildings in Compliance	YT0D % in Compliance
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%
FY 2015	1,897 -9.06%	1,030 +168.93%	54.3%
FY 2014	2,086 -31.63%	383 -67.40%	18.4%
FY 2013	3,051 +14.48%	1,175 +76.43%	38.5%
FY 2012	2,665 +5.38%	666 +13.07%	25%
FY 2011	2,529 +15.96%	589 +12.19%	23.3%
FY 2010	2,181 -3.32%	525 -38.60%	24.1%
FY 2009	2,256 +46.21%	855 +55.74%	37.9%
FY 2008	1,543 +134.14%	549 +205.00%	35.6%
FY 2007	659	180	27.3%

Analysis of results and challenges: Deputy Fire Marshals conducted 664 fire inspections in FY2022. The number of fire inspections performed increased by 453 (or 215%) in FY2022, compared to 211 completed in FY2021. The division meet its target of 30% of buildings inspected found to be in compliance with fire standards. The increase in number of inspections from FY2021 was attributable to deputy fire marshal positions being filled and the reduction of impacts from Covid-19. The TransAlaska Pipeline Specialist conducted 214 fire inspections with 192 buildings in compliance.

Prioritization of commercial building inspections continues to be based upon those occupancies that are at greatest risk of fire-related injuries, fatalities, property loss, and community impact. The division is striving to increase owner/occupant hazard awareness and self-inspections so a greater number of buildings will be found in compliance with legal standards at the time of inspection.

When an inspection generates an Order to Correct Deficiencies, each deficiency must be rectified as mandated by the Alaska Supreme Court in Adams vs. the State of Alaska. There were 6,355 follow up communication actions in support of the 664 fire inspections in FY2022.
Related links:

Division of Fire and Life Safety

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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
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: Alaska experiences significant fire-related property loss each year. Losses in 2021 decreased by $2M, or about 3%. The Cordova vehicle/boat motor business fire property loss was $5 million, the Fairbanks industrial commercial building fire property loss was $2.5 million, Anchorage multi-family dwelling fire property loss was $2.35 million, Eagle River multi-family dwelling fire property loss was $2.25 million and Two Rivers 1 or 2 family dwellings fire property loss was $2 million. The five major fires consumed a total of $14.1 million in property loss.
Related links:

Alaska Fire Statistics

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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
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 decreased approximatley 5% from 2020. The division did not meet the target of reducing the number of structure fires to less than 1,176 per year. The division continues to work to reduce this number through fire and life safety building inspections, building plan reviews for code compliance, and public education.
Related links:

Alaska Fire Statistics

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

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 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: The target of completing 95% of initial building plan reviews in 14 days was not met in FY2022. An increase of two personnel resulted in plan review turnaround times of 2-3 weeks in 2022 compared to 3-5 weeks in 2021 The division is working with a contractor for a web-based plan review application process from applying to permit issued.

Plan reviews are recorded as data elements that, when refined, provide many different ways to access information and research customer questions more rapidly and accurately. Each plan review requires multiple follow-ups and range from the very complex to the very simple. Further refinement of data input and follow-up continues to increase customer satisfaction. Total volume of requests received is purely economy-based.

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

Target #2: Reduce property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures to less than $28 million annually.

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 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
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: Property loss increased by 48% in 2021 but the division was unable to meet the target of reducing property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures to less than $28 million annually. Residential occupancies continue to be the type of structure where Alaska""s greatest fire-related property loss occurs. The Division of Fire and Life Safety is continually working to reduce this property loss through a combination of public education, fire and life safety initiatives, and plan reviews of four-plex (or larger) residential buildings for code compliance. Since the division has no code authority, no inspection authority, and little direct access to single-family residences where most 2021 fire fatalities occurred, public fire education is the one component that will facilitate a downward trend in this sector. The Anchorage and Eagle River Multi-Family dwellings fire loss was $4.6 million and the Two Rivers one or two family dwellings fire structures loss of $2 million contributed to the higher property loss.

The Division of Fire and Life Safety is continually working to reduce this type of property loss through a combination of public education, fire and life safety initiatives, and plan reviews of four-plex (or larger) residential buildings for code compliance.

Since the division has no code authority, no inspection authority, and little direct access to single-family residences where most 2020 fire fatalities occurred, public fire education is the one component that will facilitate a downward trend in this sector.

Target Last Modified: 11/18/2022

Last refreshed: 05/30/2023 05:00 pm