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Multiple-Fatality Fires in Residential Buildings (2021-2023)

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Topical Fire Report Series | December 2024 | Volume 23, Issue 1

At a Glance

Each year, from 2021 to 2023, an estimated average of
200 multiple-fatality fires in residential buildings
were reported within the United States.

These fires caused an estimated annual average of:
720 deaths,
125 injuries
and
$42 million
in property loss.

Less than one-tenth of a percent of residential building fires involved multiple fatalities.

However, these fatalities accounted for 26% of all fatalities that resulted from residential building fires.

One- and two-family dwellings accounted for 81% of multiple-fatality fires in residential buildings.

Multiple-fatality fires in residential buildings occurred most frequently from midnight to 6 a.m.

This 6-hour period accounted for 53% of the multiple-fatality residential building fires.

Multiple-fatality fires in residential buildings were more prevalent in the cooler months, peaking in January at 14%.

These topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information.