Statistical Reports: Residential Structure Fires

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Topical Fire Report Series

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.

New: Heating Fires in Residential Buildings (2008-2010)

Findings from this report:

  • An estimated average of 50,100 heating fires in residential buildings occurred in the United States each year and resulted in an annual average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries, and $326 million in property loss.
  • Heating was the second leading cause of all residential building fires following cooking.
  • Residential building heating fires peaked in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m. This 4-hour period accounted for 30 percent of all residential building heating fires.
  • Residential building heating fires peaked in January (21 percent) and declined to the lowest point during the summer months from June to August.
  • Confined fires, those fires confined to chimneys, flues, or fuel burners, accounted for 87 percent of residential building heating fires.
  • Thirty percent of the nonconfined residential building heating fires occurred because the heat source was too close to combustibles.

Download Heating Fires in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) » (PDF, 424 Kb)

See Also: Structure Fires | Structure Fires - Nonresidential

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