Accidental Residential Fires in Calgary: A Theoretical Consideration
Date
2019-04
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Abstract
Past research on fire incidence rates has identified strong associations between fire risk and sociodemographic and spatiotemporal factors but has often failed to place these factors within a theoretical framework. Borrowing from the field of criminology, I draw on the framework of routine activities theory (RAT) to explore the potential applicability of the “capable guardianship” aspect of RAT as it applies to fire incidents. I also examine how the relationship between fire incidents and capable guardianship is influenced by neighbourhood disorder. Using multivariate linear regression, I found that fire incidence rate in Calgary varies based on a community’s level of neighbourhood mobility and household size, as well as level of disorder. However, my findings did not support the hypothesis that fire rates are lower in areas characterized by increased presence of capable guardianship. I conclude that in order to examine mechanisms through which fire events are disrupted or prevented via the presence of capable guardians, research needs to focus on refining and understanding the measure of capable guardianship as it applies to fire incidents.
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Keywords
Routine Activities Theory, Capable Guardianship, Social Disorder, Fire Incidence
Citation
Skidmore, O. A. B. (2019). Accidental Residential Fires in Calgary: A Theoretical Consideration (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.