The Real Threat: Violence vs. Fire in Schools, Churches & Private Businesses
Posted by: Archangel Defense Solutions, LLC
Date: 3/24/2025
Over the past 50 years, fire prevention efforts in the U.S. have dramatically improved, especially in schools, churches, and private workplaces. But while fire-related fatalities have significantly declined, the threat of violence — particularly active shooters, stabbings, and assaults — has grown.
As security professionals, we must adjust our threat assessments and emergency planning to match the realities of today’s risk environment.
Schools: Associated Violence Outpaces Fire Fatalities
According to the National Center for Education Statistics:
- From 2000–2022, there were 328 casualties (131 killed, 197 wounded) from active shooter incidents in U.S. elementary and secondary schools.
- In the 2020–2021 school year, 41 school-associated violent deaths were recorded, including 20 homicides.
Source: NCES
By contrast:
- A 2007 FEMA report found no school fire-related fatalities reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System during the period studied.
Source: FEMA
Churches: High Arson Risk, Higher Violence Risk
Notable examples of church violence include:
- The 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, SC, where 9 were killed during a Bible study.
Source: ABC News - Charleston Shooting
Church fires:
- From 1996 to 2015, 4,705 fires were reported at houses of worship — 51% were intentional (arson).
Source: Dolan Consulting Group - Serious Violence at Places of Worship
Private Businesses: Violence is a Leading Cause of Workplace Deaths
According to the CDC and Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- In 2020, there were 392 workplace homicides, with 30% occurring in the retail sector.
Source: CDC - Violence
- That same year, 20,050 workers in private industry experienced nonfatal workplace violence injuries serious enough to require days away from work.
Source: CDC - Violence
- In contrast, from 2011–2015, U.S. manufacturing and industrial facilities saw an average of 22 civilian fire deaths per year.
Source: National Fire Protection Association - NFPA
The Bottom Line
While fire remains a critical safety concern, modern threats have shifted. In schools, churches, and private businesses alike, violence is now a more frequent and deadly threat than fire.
At Archangel Defense Solutions, we specialize in Threat & Vulnerability Assessments (TVAs) that go far beyond fire drills and exit signs. We help institutions build layered, reality-based plans to prevent and respond to today’s most pressing threats — from active shooters to workplace violence.
Let’s be Proactive, Not Just Compliant
If you're a church leader, school administrator, or business owner, we encourage you to take the first step. Contact us today to request our Self-Assessment Tool, and we’ll help you determine if a full on-site assessment is needed.
We’ll provide clear, prioritized recommendations to help you protect your people, secure your space, and lead with confidence.
