Fire protection decisions pit cost against risk exposure

Fire protection decisions that pit cost against risk exposure are discussed. Fires have caused losses in excess of $30 million at power plants where fire protection systems were absent or failed. Fire is the largest cause of loss at fossil power plants, responsible for approximately 50% of the losses in the fossil fuel power plant category. Fire prevention and fire protection alternatives can be assessed in terms of risk-reduction benefit versus cost, providing decision-makers an opportunity to prioritize fire safety improvements and optimize budget allocations.