Statistical Reports: Civilian Fire Casualties

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The National Fire Data Center's Topical Fire Report Series explores facets of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), each issue briefly addresses the nature and relevance of the specific fire or fire-related problem, highlights important findings, and suggests other resources to consider for further information. Each topical report also includes recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report.

Latest Reports

Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings (2009–2011)

Annually from 2009 to 2011, an estimated 1,600 fatal fires in residential buildings were reported to United States fire departments each year and caused an estimated 2,495 deaths, 625 injuries and $188 million in property loss.

Findings from this report:

  • Fatal fires in residential buildings tended to be larger, caused more damage and had higher injury rates than nonfatal fires in residential buildings.
  • “Other unintentional, careless” actions (16 percent) and “smoking” (15 percent) were the leading causes of fatal fires in residential buildings.
  • The leading areas of fire origin in fatal fires in residential buildings were bedrooms (26 percent) and common areas such as living and family rooms (23 percent).
  • Fatal fires in residential buildings were more prevalent in the cooler months, peaking in January (14 percent).
  • Fatal fires in residential buildings were highest between 1 to 2 a.m. and 4 to 5 a.m. The 8-hour peak period (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) accounted for 48 percent of the fatal fires in residential buildings.
  • Seventy-nine percent of fatal fires in residential buildings extended beyond the room of fire origin.

Download: Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings (2009-2011) (PDF, 705 Kb)

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Topical Fire Report Series

See Also: Civilian Casualties - Children | Civilian Casualties - Older Adults | Civilian Casualties - People with Disabilities

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