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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

. 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
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 2023, the division had a 100 percent decrease in fire fatalities with none occurring under the division"s statutory authority. There were 20 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. Of these, 12 occurred in one or two-family dwellings, four occurred in a multi-residential structure, one occurred in a mechanical building, one occurred in a mobile home and two occurred in a travel trailer used as a primary residence. One fire fatality occurred in a vehicle and two occurred in tarp/tents. The division reduced unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annually. Of the 20 fire fatalities, five 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 undermined in 83% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug use-related fire fatalities increased by 42% (from 12 in 2022 to 17 in 2023). To address this, DFLS applied for a Grant through the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for underserved populations.

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:

Target Last Modified: 01/02/2025

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
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: Note: Calendar Year FY2022 Total Fire Fatalities numbers were updated from 21 to 24. Three fire fatalities were confirmed after the time of the reporting for FY2022.

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 decreased by 4.17% (from 8 in 2022 to 6 in 2023). Alaska did not have this trend in 2023 as those age groups made up 26% of fire fatalities. There were six fatalities over 65 years old and none under 10 years old. Residential homes or trailers were the occupancy type where 83% 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: 01/02/2025

    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.
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 2023, the number of fires in these targeted regions increased by 0.24% compared to 2022. 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 too close to heat-producing equipment.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024

    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
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: In 2023, the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities increased from 12 to 17 not meeting the target goal of 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: 11/04/2024


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 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%
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: The number of fire inspections increased by 776 or 71.68% in FY2024. The division did not meet its target of 30% of buildings found to be in compliance with fire standards. Deputy Fire Marshals (DFMs) conducted 988 fire inspections. The increase in number of inspections from FY2024 was attributable to new electronic data base being developed and only one deputy fire marshal position being vacant. The TransAlaska Pipeline Specialist conducted 214 fire inspections with 196 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. The Life Safety Inspection Bureau conducted 5852 follow up actions associated with correcting inspection deficiencies, conducting investigations, and providing technical assistance in FY2024.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024


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
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: Alaska experiences significant fire related property loss each year. Losses in 2023 decreased by $7 million or 9.46%. The Skagway mercantile fire property loss was over $2.3 million, the Northwest Arctic Borough area exploration drill rig fire loss was $1.7 million, Petersburg church fire property loss was $1.7 million, Anchorage 1 or 2 family dwelling fire property loss was almost $1.3 million, Ketchikan one- or two-family dwelling fire property loss was $1.27 million, Anchorage motor vehicle sales/repair fire property loss was $1.1 million, and Delta Junction pipeline fire loss was $1.0 million. The seven major fires consumed a total of $10.37 million in property loss.
Related links:

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024

    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
2023
1148
-2.55%
2022
1178
-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: Structure fires decreased in 2023 by 2.5% from 2022. The division met 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:

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024

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 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: The target of completing 95% of initial building plan reviews in 14 days was not met in FY2024. Retention and recruiting are contributing factors. However, the filled position personnel are very competent and resulted in plan review turnaround times of 3-5 weeks in 2023 to 1-3 weeks in 2024. The division is working with a contractor to go live on the 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: 11/04/2024

    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
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: Property loss decreased by 19% in 2023 and the division was able to meet the target of reducing property loss in high loss occupancies-residential structures to less than $48 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.

Target Last Modified: 11/04/2024

Last refreshed: 05/09/2025 05:00 pm