National Estimates
The 2019 national estimates for the leading causes of residential building fire deaths show that there were:
- 585 other unintentional, careless fire deaths.
- 470 cause under investigation fire deaths.
- 320 smoking fire deaths.
Overall Trends
Overall trends in the leading fire death causes for the 10-year period of 2010 to 2019 show the following:
- Other unintentional, careless was the leading cause of residential fire deaths in 9 years out of the 10-year period, and there was a 52% increase in residential other unintentionally or carelessly set fire deaths. In 2018 and 2019, 16 and 18 reported multifatality fire incidents (resulting in 2, 3, 4 or 5 deaths each), respectively, may have contributed to the increase in the estimate of fire deaths.
- Cause under investigation was the second leading cause of residential fire deaths in 2019, and there was a 67% increase in residential cause under investigation fire deaths. In 2019, 10 reported multifatality fire incidents (resulting in 2, 3 or 4 deaths) may have contributed to the increase in the estimate of fire deaths.
- A 6% increase in residential smoking fire deaths.
Leading Causes of Residential Building Fire Deaths (2010‑2019)
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other Unintentional, Careless | 435 | 360 | 295 | 465 | 450 | 440 | 480 | 435 | 545 | 585 |
Cause Under Investigation | 230 | 350 | 285 | 275 | 305 | 365 | 405 | 355 | 375 | 470 |
Smoking | 350 | 305 | 330 | 320 | 325 | 320 | 375 | 300 | 390 | 320 |
Intentional | 260 | 240 | 320 | 320 | 235 | 290 | 260 | 370 | 255 | 265 |
Electrical Malfunction | 280 | 280 | 210 | 335 | 325 | 290 | 310 | 200 | 255 | 225 |