A few years ago, I shared a document from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) which cautioned against the use of classroom barricade devices.  The document stated, “In an educational facility, a fire is 1,000 times more likely to occur than an active shooter event.”

This statement was not meant to minimize the concern about school shootings, but to remind those considering classroom barricade devices that fire safety is still a top priority.  Many barricade devices inhibit egress and do not comply with the requirements of the codes and standards.

There were questions about where to find statistics to back up the statement from PASS…is a fire really 1,000 times more likely than a school shooting?  That might be hard to believe given the focus on school security over the last 20 years, compared to almost zero media coverage about fires in schools.  In a follow-up post, I shared the data from the FBI and NFPA to back up the PASS figure.

The statistics have changed slightly, so today I’m posting an update.  Again, this is not to minimize the need for security, it’s a reminder to maintain a balance of security and safety.  The FBI has released their report on active shooter incidents that occurred in 2024 – you can download it here.

In 2024, the FBI reports a total of 24 active shooter events in the United States, with four occurring in educational facilities:

  • Perry High School, Perry, Iowa – 2 fatalities, 6 wounded
  • Apalachee High School, Winder, Georgia – 2 fatalities, 9 wounded
  • Feather River Adventist School, Oroville, California – 2 wounded
  • Abundant Life Christian School, Madison, Wisconsin – 2 fatalities, 6 wounded

When we look at the reports from 2010 to 2024, the FBI reports a total of 51 active shooter events in educational buildings over a period of 15 years, or an average of 3.4 events per year.

In comparison, NFPA reports an annual average of 3,768 structure fires in educational facilities per year between 2018 and 2022, with an average of 35 civilians injured.  The fact that these fires did not result in fatalities can be credited to the strong codes and enforcement that have improved fire safety in schools.

Based on these updated statistics, the PASS statement still stands true:  3,768 fires per year / 3.4 active shooter events = a fire in an educational facility is 1,108 times more likely to occur than an active shooter event.  We’re seeing great improvements in school security, with security vestibules, compartmentalizing, monitored exits, the ability to secure assembly areas, lockable classroom doors and other best practices.  Let’s continue to prioritize safety as well, to help keep our schools safe regardless of the hazards that they may face.

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.