Focus on Jobsite Hazards During Fire Prevention Week
Oct. 8-14 is National Fire Prevention Week, an annual public outreach and awareness campaign by the National Fire Protection Association.
NAHB has resources to help builders keep residential construction sites as fire-resistant as possible, beginning with basic housekeeping, storage, and preparedness practices, especially entering the cold season:
- Keep the worksite clear of extraneous items and clean up spills immediately.
- Be aware of fuel and ignition sources on the jobsite, and ensure proper placement and storage.
- Ensure rooms have proper ventilation before spraying paint and other solvents.
- Ensure temporary heaters are being properly used.
- Keep fire extinguishers within easy reach, and make sure workers are trained to use them.
Serious fires on home building jobsites are rare, but they can be very destructive. And all fires are fairly easy to prevent with diligent planning and maintenance.
Winter is an especially dangerous time as many sites use temporary heaters when working on interiors. These heaters can be knocked over, left on, or simply malfunction, leading to fires that can quickly spread. Proper use of space heaters is essential to keeping workers safe.
Take this week as an opportunity to stop and think about fire safety on your jobsites. Is everyone aware of the escape plan? When was the last time fire extinguishers were checked? Is housekeeping a daily task?
You’re probably already covered. But stop and think about it, and ask the questions to make sure.
For more on home building site fire safety, watch the NAHB Toolbox Talk below or visit the fire prevention toolkit.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Aug 06, 2026
Multifamily Developer Confidence Weakens in Second Quarter
Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing weakened year-over-year in the second quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 43, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 74, down eight points year-over-year.
Disaster Response
Aug 05, 2026
How to Help Spokane Relief and Recovery Efforts
A series of fast-moving wildfires recently broke out in and around Spokane, Wash., causing widespread destruction. In response, the Spokane Home Builders Association is accepting donations to the Spokane Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund to provide support to the communities hit hardest by the wildfires.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 06, 2026
Multifamily Developer Confidence Weakens in Second Quarter
Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing weakened year-over-year in the second quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices.
Economics
Aug 06, 2026
Mortgage Rates Climb Again as Iran Conflict Re-escalates
Re-escalation of the conflict in Iran pushed mortgage rates higher in July. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.54% in July, up 5 basis points (bps) over June. Since the conflict in the Middle East began, the 30-year mortgage rate has climbed by almost 50 bps.
Economics
Aug 05, 2026
U.S. Economy Expanded at a Slower Pace in the Second Quarter of 2026
Real GDP growth slowed in the second quarter of 2026, as a pullback in government spending and slower growth in investment and exports, more than offset stronger consumer spending.