NFIRS 5.0 Element: ‘Contributing Factors’
Définition : The most significant factors contributing to the injury of the casualty.
Purpose : This additional information on how an injury occurred can help in targeting fire prevention programs and checking the adequacy and enforcement of codes. For example, if many casualties resulted from illegally locked window bars, inspection practices might need to be reviewed.

Entry : Enter the two-digit code and description for up to three factors that best describe the contributions to the injury. If no factors were involved, check or mark the None box.
Element Specification
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Requirement | Optional |
Expected Length | 2 |
Multiple Choice | 0 – 3 |
Element Type | Coded Field – The coded field relating to an entry in the code table. Most coded fields allow for Plus+ One codes. For these fields the expected length of the coded entry is depicted as (National length OR Plus+ One length). Only fields with this notation in the expected length column allow for Plus+ One definitions. If the user has not provided information, an empty field should be transmitted. |
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INJURY CODES
Here are the NFIRS codes for the ‘Contributing Factors’ element
Egress Problem Group
- 11 – Crowd Situation, Limited Exits
- 12 – Mechanical Obstacles To Exit
- 13 – Locked Exit or Other Problem With Exit
- 14 – Problem With Quick Release Burglar or Security Bar
- 15 – Burglar or Security Bar, Intrusion Barrier
- 16 – Window Type or Size Impeded Egress
- 10 – Egress Problem – Other
Fire Pattern Group
- 21 – Exits Blocked By Flame
- 22 – Exits Blocked By Smoke
- 23 – Vision Blocked or Impaired By Smoke
- 24 – Trapped Above Fire
- 25 – Trapped Below Fire
- 20 – Fire Pattern – Other
Escape Group
- 31 – Unfamiliar With Exits
- 32 – Excessive Travel Distance To Nearest Clear Exit
- 33 – Chose Inappropriate Exit Route
- 34 – Re-entered Building
- 35 – Clothing Caught Fire While Escaping
- 30 – Escape – Other
Collapse Group
- 41 – Roof Collapse
- 42 – Wall Collapse
- 43 – Floor Collapse
- 40 – Collapse – Other
Vehicle-related Factors Group
- 51 – Trapped In/by Vehicle
- 52 – Vehicle Collision, Rollover
- 50 – Vehicle-related – Other
Equipment-related Factors Group
- 61 – Unvented Heating Equipment
- 62 – Improper Use Of Heating Equipment
- 63 – Improper Use Of Cooking Equipment
- 60 – Equipment-related Factors – Other
Other Special Factors Group
- 91 – Clothing Burned, Not While Escaping
- 92 – Overexertion
- 00 – Factor Contributing To Injury – Other
- NN – None
- UU – Undetermined (Conversion Only)
Transactions containing ‘Contributing Factors’
The value of this element is captured by the following transaction :
Need more NFIRS help?
Here are some other useful ressources to learn more about NFIRS.
NFIRS Codes Cheat Sheet – NFIRS Coding – NFIRS Examples – FDIDs – POCs – NFIRS Transactions – NFIRS Modules – NFIRS Elements – NFIRS Rules – NFIRS Reference – NFIRS Compliant ?
You can also read this NFIRS 5.0 Complete Reference Guide, and NFIRS 5.0 Design Documentation in order to have a deeper understanding of NFIRS 5.0. Here are also NFIRS 5.0 Forms ready for you to download and use.
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Last Updated on April 28, 2023