HVAC Systems Running During a Fire Contribute to Damage and Loss
We at FireKiller Technologies have seen proof of this. See for yourself in these photos.

First floor fire distribution by duct system and functioning air handler.	Fire spread in air handler compartment.	Fire spread in HVAC branch ducts off the main trunk line.
Fire, smoke and fuel gas pulled to attic by functioning air handler.	650° burn patter in duct system from basement air handler.	Secondary duct fire caused by functioning air handler.

Links to Fire Facts & Resources

The United States Fire Administration - www.usfa.dhs.gov
Working for a Fire Safe America: The United States Fire Administration Challenge

"America's fire death rate is one of the highest per capita in the industrialized world. Fire kills 3,700 and injures more than 20,000 people each year. Firefighters pay a high price for this terrible fire record as well; approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Direct property losses due to fire reach almost $11 billion a year. Most of these deaths and losses can be prevented!"

National Fire Protection Association - www.nfpa.org
"In 2005, there were 1,602,000 fires reported in the United States (down 3% from 2004). These fires caused 3,675 civilian deaths, 17,925 civilian injuries, 87 firefighter deaths, and $10.7 billion in property damage."
Download NFPA's free, reproducible fact sheet on fire in the U.S. in 2005 (PDF, 252 KB)

"In 2005, one structure fire was reported every 62 seconds. One home structure fire was reported every 83 seconds."
Download NFPA's free, reproducible fact sheet on the U.S. fire loss clock in 2005 (PDF, 304 KB)

The United States Fire Administration - www.usfa.dhs.gov/safety/thisis.shtm
"In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!"
Download USFA's fire fact sheet (PDF, 164 KB)

FireSafety.gov - FireSafety.gov
"FireSafety.gov is a one-stop information resource on the Internet for residential fire safety and prevention information distributed by the Federal government."

Building and Fire Research Laboratory - http://www.bfrl.nist.gov
"...dedicated to improving performance and safety of constructed facilities."