ABSTRACT
During the course of its development, a fire can cause damage to a building and its contents and to occupants (fatal or non-fatal casualties). These costs are known as direct losses whereas those associated with the fire but incurred after it is extinguished are indirect or consequential losses. According to this definition the distress and financial loss that the death or injury of individuals would cause their families is an indirect loss. This component of indirect loss is, however, not discussed in this chapter which is concerned only with consequential losses such as loss of production, loss of trade, e.g. profits, of employment and of exports and costs towards extra imports. These losses occur mainly in the industrial and commercial sectors.
