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Nonresidential Building Fire Causes (2013-2022)

National estimates

The 2022 national estimates for the leading causes of nonresidential building fires show that there were:

  • 35,800 cooking fires.
  • 18,900 intentional fires.
  • 16,500 other unintentional, careless fires.

Overall trends

Overall trends in the leading fire causes for the 10-year period of 2013 to 2022 show the following:

  • Cooking as the leading cause of nonresidential building fires for the 10-year period.
  • A 17% increase in nonresidential cooking fires.
  • A 140% increase in nonresidential intentionally set fires.
  • A 68% increase in nonresidential other unintentionally or carelessly set fires.

Leading causes of nonresidential building fires (2013-2022)

2013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Cooking27400290003090028900337003170033200286003110035800
Intentional9100880098009000109001020012000146001770018900
Other unintentional, careless8600100001090010700123001190012800122001410016500
Heating8400900079007100760071007400640071008100
Electrical malfunction7400800082007100820081008200680072008000
Open flame5700600065005700670059006500620071007500