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For each year from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 9,200 fires were reported to fire departments in the United States over a 3-day period around Halloween. These fires caused an estimated annual average of 25 deaths, 100 injuries and $117 million in property loss.1
The average number of fatalities per 1,000 Halloween fires was slightly higher than the same loss measures for all other fires, while the average number of injuries per 1,000 Halloween fires was lower than for all other fires. The average dollar loss per Halloween fire was also higher than per non-Halloween fire.2
Loss measure | Halloween fires (Oct. 30- Nov. 1) | Non-Halloween fires |
---|---|---|
Fatalities/1,000 fires | 2.6 | 2.4 |
Injuries/1,000 fires | 9.0 | 9.7 |
Dollar loss/fire | $13,690 | $11,860 |
In terms of numbers of Halloween fires, the largest general property type category was outside fires (34%) followed closely by residential fires (33%). Residential Halloween fires, however, resulted in the most deaths (45%), injuries (83%) and dollar loss (42%) when compared to the other property type categories. Source: NFIRS 5.0.
Halloween fires occurred most frequently in the afternoon and early evening hours, peaking from 6 to 7 p.m. Fires then declined, reaching the lowest point during the early morning from 3 to 6 a.m. Source: NFIRS 5.0.
The leading causes of residential Halloween fires were cooking (49%); heating (12%); other unintentional, careless actions (8%); and electrical malfunctions (8%). Source: NFIRS 5.0.
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Candle flames and flammable costumes can be a dangerous combination. Share these safety tips with your community to ensure that Halloween is a safe holiday for everyone.
Sources: NFIRS and the National Fire Protection Association.
Notes: