Performance Details

Department of Public Safety - Fire and Life Safety

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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

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 2020 16 -11.11% 15 -6.25% 1 -50% 2019 18 +63.64% 16 +45.45% 2 0% 2018 11 -42.11% 11 -35.29% 0 -100% 2017 19 +5.56% 17 0% 2 +100% 2016 18 +5.88% 17 0% 1 0% 2015 17 +41.67% 17 +41.67% 0 0% 2014 12 -25% 12 -20% 0 -100% 2013 16 -30.43% 15 -25% 1 -66.67% 2012 23 +109.09% 20 +100% 3 +200% 2011 11 -8.33% 10 -16.67% 1 0% 2010 12 -45.45% 12 -42.86% 0 -100% 2009 22 +15.79% 21 +23.53% 1 -50% 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 2020, Alaska had an 11% decrease in fire fatalities with one occurring under the division's statutory authority. There were 16 fire fatalities that occurred in structures. Of these, seven occurred in one or two-family dwellings, four occurred in a multi-residential structure, one occurred in a motel/restaurant building and four occurred in a mobile home. The division did not reduce unintentional fire fatalities (non-homicide) to less than 13 annually. Of the 16 fire fatalities, nine occurred within deferred jurisdictions. The division had significant success in all other occupancy types where it is empowered to act by statutory authority. Smoke alarms failed to work, or were not installed or undermined in 44% of the residences where fire fatalities occurred. Alcohol or drug use-related fire fatalities decreased by 67% (from 9 in 2019 to 3 in 2020). 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 #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 2020 16 -11.11% 8 +100% 2019 18 +63.64% 4 -20% 2018 11 -42.11% 5 -37.5% 2017 19 +5.56% 8 +166.67% 2016 18 +5.88% 3 -72.73% 2015 17 +41.67% 11 +450% 2014 12 -25% 2 -50% 2013 16 -30.43% 4 -50% 2012 23 +109.09% 8 +166.67% 2011 11 -8.33% 3 -40% 2010 12 -45.45% 5 -16.67% 2009 22 +29.41% 6 +20% 2008 17 -29.17% 5 -50% 2007 24 +20% 10 +150% 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. Alaska followed this trend in 2020, as those age groups made up 50% of fire fatalities. Fire fatalities in high-risk groups increased from four in 2019 to eight in 2020, a 100% increase. There were seven fatalities over 65 years old and one under 10 years old. Residential homes or trailers were the occupancy type where 63% 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:    • Alaska Fire Statistics    • National Fire Statistics

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. 2020 917 -8.94% 2019 1007 +24.32% 2018 810 +7.43% 2017 754 -3.7% 2016 783 -9.9% 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 disproportionately 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 2020, the number of fires in these targeted regions decreased by 9%, compared to 2019. 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:    • Alaska Fire Statistics

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 2020 16 -11.11% 7 -22.22% 2019 18 +63.64% 9 +80% 2018 11 -42.11% 5 +150% 2017 19 +5.56% 2 -83.33% 2016 18 +5.88% 12 +500% 2015 17 +41.67% 2 -71.43% 2014 12 -25% 7 -41.67% 2013 16 -30.43% 12 -7.69% 2012 23 +109.09% 13 +116.67% 2011 11 -8.33% 6 +20% 2010 12 -45.45% 5 -64.29% 2009 22 +29.41% 14 +100% 2008 17 -29.17% 7 -41.67% 2007 24 +20% 12 -29.41% 2006 20 17 Analysis of results and challenges: The number of alcohol and drug related fatalities decreased from nine in 2019 to seven in 2020, which achieves the target goal for the year. 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 #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 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% 25.56% FY 2016 2,236 +17.87% 276 -73.2% 12.34% FY 2015 1,897 -9.06% 1,030 +168.93% 54.3% FY 2014 2,086 -31.63% 383 -67.4% 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 -38.6% 24.1% FY 2009 2,256 +46.21% 855 +55.74% 37.9% FY 2008 1,543 +134.14% 549 +205% 35.6% FY 2007 659 180 27.3% Analysis of results and challenges: The number of fire inspections decreased by 51, or 19%, in FY2021. The division did not meet its target of 30% of buildings found to be in compliance with fire standards. Deputy Fire Marshals (DFMs) conducted 211 fire inspections. The decreased number of inspections from FY2020 was attributable to one vacant deputy fire marshal position and COVID-19. The TransAlaska Pipeline fire inspections scheduled for FY2021 were not conducted due to COVID-19. 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 4,626 follow up communication actions in support of the 211 fire inspections in FY2021. Related links:    • Division of Fire and Life Safety

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 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 2020 decreased by $7.2 million, or 9%. The Kaktovik School fire property loss was $20 million, the Delta Junction Restaurant/Cafeteria fire property loss was $2.2 million, Kotzebue Restaurant/Cafeteria fire property loss was $1.8 million, and the Glennallen Convenience Store fire property loss was $1.6 million. These four major fires resulted in fire property loss totaling $25.6 million dollars. Related links:    • Alaska Fire Statistics

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 2020 1,253 -7.46% 2019 1,354 +18.67% 2018 1,141 +0.62% 2017 1,134 +2.35% 2016 1,108 -8.88% 2015 1,216 -2.95% 2014 1,253 +1.38% 2013 1,236 -0.08% 2012 1,237 +1.98% 2011 1,213 +3.85% 2010 1,168 -8.25% 2009 1,273 +3.92% 2008 1,225 +1.83% 2007 1,203 -10.02% 2006 1,337 Analysis of results and challenges: The number of structure fires decreased by 7%, from 2019 to 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 #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 2021 780 +10.8% 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 -14.6% 272 -59.94% 33% FY 2017 966 -10.31% 679 -22.49% 70% FY 2016 1,077 -2% 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 FY2021. An increase of two personnel resulted in improvements of plan review turnaround times of 12-18 weeks in 2020, to 3-5 weeks in 2021. In September 2021, the division hired a Building Plans Examiner I and worked with a contractor to develop a web-based plan review application process to streamline the entire process, from initial application 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 #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 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 37% in 2020, but the division was not able 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 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.

Current as of December 14, 2021