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Nonresidential Building Fire Causes (2012‑2021)

National estimates

The 2021 national estimates for the leading causes of nonresidential building fires show that there were:

  • 31,100 cooking fires.
  • 17,700 intentional fires.
  • 14,100 other unintentional, careless fires.

Overall trends

Overall trends in the leading fire causes for the 10-year period of 2012 to 2021 show the following:

  • Cooking as the leading cause of nonresidential building fires for the 10-year period.
  • A 14% increase in nonresidential cooking fires.
  • A 92% increase in nonresidential intentionally set fires.
  • A 55% increase in nonresidential other unintentionally or carelessly set fires.

Leading causes of nonresidential building fires (2012-2021)

2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Cooking27200274002900030900289003370031700332002860031100
Intentional970091008800980090001090010200120001460017700
Other Unintentional, Careless910086001000010900107001230011900128001220014100
Electrical Malfunction6400740080008200710082008100820068007200
Heating7400840090007900710076007100740064007100
Open Flame6000570060006500570067005900650062007100