Statistical Reports on the Fire Problem in the United States
Our statistical reports explore aspects of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), our reports address the nature and relevance of the specific fire or fire-related problem, highlight important findings, and suggest other resources to consider for further information.
Overall U.S. population
See also: Death and injury risk
Fire Risk in 2022
This topical fire report explores fire risk for people living in the United States and why for some groups of people, fire risk is more severe.
Fire Death Rate Trends: An International Perspective
The United States still has one of the higher fire death rates in the industrialized world, however, its standing has greatly improved.
Home fire casualties
Multiple-Fatality Fires in Residential Buildings (2021-2023)
Common areas such as living and family rooms (24%), followed by bedrooms (19%), were the leading areas of fire origin in multiple-fatality fires in residential buildings.
Civilian Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings (2017-2019)
Annually, from 2017 to 2019, an estimated 2,770 civilian fire fatalities resulted from 1,900 fatal fires in residential buildings.
Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2017-2019)
Annually, from 2017 to 2019, an estimated 11,650 civilian fire injuries resulted from 7,200 residential building fires resulting in injuries.
Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings (2018-2020)
Fatal fires in residential buildings most often started in bedrooms (27%).
People with disabilities
Residential Building Fires Involving Individuals with Mental Disabilities
Intentional was the leading cause of residential building fires where a mental disability is reported as a human factor contributing to ignition.
Residential Building Fires Involving Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Cooking was the leading cause of residential building fires where a physical disability is reported as a human factor contributing to ignition.
Data sources for our reports
Our reports reflect the most current data year available at the time of analysis. In priority order, we primarily rely on these data sources:
| Source | Data available |
|---|---|
| National Fire Incident Reporting System incident-level data | 10 to 18 months after the end of the calendar year |
| National Center for Health Statistics vital records | 2 plus years after the end of the calendar year |
| National Fire Protection Association survey estimates | 9 months after the end of the calendar year |
Other data sources include the Consumer Price Index and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Methodology documentation
These documents describe the data sources and methodology we use to calculate our fire loss estimates.
- White paper: National Fire Estimation Using NFIRS Data May 2017 PDF
- Data Sources and Methodology Documentation PDF
- National Estimates Methodology for Building Fires and Losses PDF
Topical Fire Report Series
Data sources and methodology documentation.