What was the original mission of the NFPA?

The original mission of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was centered around the promotion of uniformity in fire protection standards. Established in 1896, the NFPA was created by a group of insurance representatives and others concerned with the rising number of fire-related fatalities and property losses. They recognized the need for consistent codes and standards to effectively address fire safety across different sectors and settings.

By creating a standardized approach, the NFPA aimed to ensure that fire protection measures could be reliably implemented, leading to improved safety for the public and an overall reduction in the risks and damages associated with fires. This mission laid the groundwork for comprehensive fire codes, training programs, and other resources that support fire prevention efforts today.

Though eliminating fires in industrial sectors, reducing costs of fire insurance premiums, and advancing firefighting technology are important considerations within the field of fire safety, these initiatives stem from the foundational work of standardizing practices. Without a uniform set of guidelines and standards, achieving these other goals would be significantly more challenging.