Urban Fire *

Description:

Uncontrolled burning in residential, commercial, industrial, or other properties in developed areas. An event of such magnitude as to cause serious injuries and deaths and impose severe economic losses to the community.

Secondary Effects:

Economic effects to real estate and businesses, loss of tax base for the municipality, loss of housing, business and professional services and shopping facilities. Widespread unemployment may result from loss of office buildings, factories, businesses, and banks. Communication, transportation, electric, and gas services interrupted, as well as disruption of municipal water system and possible contamination. Residents may require evacuation, search and rescue, sheltering, mass feeding and medical care. The release of toxic materials from manufacturing processes may complicate responses.

Vulnerability:

The primary building material in Maine is wood. Accordingly, large numbers of buildings in urban areas are very vulnerable to fire, which can easily spread to other nearby wooden buildings, creating a conflagration which is extremely difficult to control. Because of the speed at which fire may spread, adequate warning to people in nearby or adjoining buildings may not be possible. Evacuation, especially of multistoried buildings may be a problem requiring special equipment.

If industries are involved that use potentially harmful chemicals, the threat of air, soil, and water contamination and the potential for loss of life must be addressed.

Major structure/urban fire continues to be the most consistent significant municipal incident in the State.

Mitigation:

Education and enforcement to reduce the number of residential, business and commercial fires caused by arson, carelessness, poor construction, faulty electrical wiring and the inadequate removal of potential fire hazards. The State Fire Marshal's Office and State Electrical Inspector may be involved with investigations after a fire, as well as preventive measures before.

The development and written documentation of mutual aid agreements including the extent of assistance that can be provided. MEMA encourages this action through development of Comprehensive Emergency Plans for each jurisdiction in Maine.

Enforcement of building safety codes by inspection of existing buildings and the enforcement of standards for new construction or renovations to existing structures.

* An occurrence of this hazard could possibly be initiated by a deliberate act.

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MAINE PREPARES

Urban Fire *

Description:

Secondary Effects:

Vulnerability:

Mitigation:

MAINE HAZARDS