- The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized
world. For 2001, exclusive of the events of September 11, the U.S.
fire death rate was 13.4 deaths per million population.
- Between 1992 and 2001, an average of 4,266 Americans lost their
lives and another 24,913 were injured annually as the result of fire.
These averages do not reflect the events of September 11.
- About 100 firefighters are killed each year in duty-related incidents.
- Each year, fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters
combined.
- At least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences.
- Between 1992 and 2001, an average of 1.9 million fires were reported
each year. Many others go unreported, causing additional injuries
and property loss.
- In 2001, direct property loss due to fires was an estimated $10.6
billion. Additionally, $33.4 billion in property was lost due to the
events of September 11, 2001.
Where Fires Occur
There were 1,734,500 fires in the United States in 2001. Of these:
- 50% were Outside Fires
- 30% were Structure Fires
- 20% were Vehicle Fires
- Residential fires represent 23 percent of all fires and 76 percent
of structure fires.
Fires in 1-2 family dwellings most often start in the:
- Kitchen 25.5%
- Bedroom 13.7%
- Living Room 8.6%
- Chimney 8.2%
- Laundry Area 5.0%
Apartment fires most often start in the:
- Kitchen 48.5%
- Bedroom 13.4%
- Living Room 6.4%
- Laundry Area 3.5%
- Bathroom 2.4%
- 3.81% of all civilian fire deaths occur in the home.
Causes of Fires and Fire Deaths
- Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also
the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often result
from unattended cooking and human error, rather than mechanical failure
of stoves or ovens.
- Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke alarms
and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant
fire deterrents.
- Arson is both the second leading cause of residential fires and
residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the major
cause of deaths, injuries and dollar loss.
- Heating is the third leading cause of residential fires. Heating
fires are a larger problem in single family homes than in apartments.
Unlike apartments, the heating systems in single family homes are
often not professionally maintained.
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