Fire protection engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to protect people and their environments from the destructive effects of fire.
In 2007, 1,557,500 fires were reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,430 civilian deaths, 17,675 civilian injuries, 102 firefighter deaths, and $14.6 billion in property damage (source, www.nfpa.org).
Exponent’s fire protection engineers offer services for the protection of life, property, business operation, and the environment from the harmful effects of fire. In the unfortunate event of a fire or explosion, our fire protection engineers can evaluate the associated performance of fire detection, suppression, and life safety systems in industrial, commercial, transportation, and residential environments, and the involvement of materials and products in fires. We actively participate in code and standard organizations and become involved in the development of product, systems, equipment, and building fire safety regulations and requirements.
Our services include: 
- Fire and explosion origin, cause, and propagation analysis (CFEIs)
- Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems and component failure analysis
- Traditional and performance-based code compliance evaluations
- Life safety systems analysis
- Fire modeling
- Product development and compliance testing
- Codes and standards development
- Fire testing of products and materials for ignition, spread, fire growth, and flammability properties
- Full, intermediate, and small-scale fire and flammability testing
- Experimental research and development for products and materials
- Third-party flame effect system reviews
Exponent has representation on the following NFPA Committees:
- NFPA 2 - Hydrogen Technologies Code
- NFPA 17 - Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems
- NFPA 17A - Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing
- NFPA 51B - Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work
- NFPA 59A - Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm Code
- NFPA 82 - Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment
- NFPA 85 - Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code
- NFPA 86 - Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
- NFPA 211 - Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances
- NFPA 484 - Standard for Combustible Metals, Metal Powders, and Metal Dusts
- NFPA 496 - Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment
- NFPA 497 - Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas
- NFPA 499 - Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas
- NFPA 664 - Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities
- NFPA 720 - Recommended Practice for the Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment
- NFPA 750 - Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
- NFPA 921 - Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
- NFPA 1620 – Recommended Practice for Pre-Incident Planning
- NFPA 2112 - Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire
- NFPA 2113 - Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire
Exponent has representation on the following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and International committees:
- ASTM Committee E27 - Hazard Potential of Chemicals
- ASTM Committee E05 - Fire Testing:
- Subcommittee E05.13 - Large Scale Fire Tests
- Subcommittee E05.15 - Furnishings and Contents
- Subcommittee E05.21 - Smoke and Combustion Products
- Subcommittee E05.32 - Research
- ASTM Committee F15 - Consumer Products
- ICC Fire/Performance/Wildland-Urban Interface Code Interpretation Committee (FCIC)