THE FACTS ON FIRE

Fire in the United States

• The U.S. has one of the highest death rates in the industrialized world.

• About 5,000 people die each year in this country as a result of fire, and another 25,500 are injured.

• About 100 firefighters die each year in duty related incidents.

• Each year fire kills more Americans than all of the natural disasters combined.

• Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the home; at least 80% of all fire deaths occur in residences.

• More than 2 million fires are reported each year. Many others go unreported causing additional injuries and damage to property.

• Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at 9.4 billion annually.

Causes of Fires & Fire Deaths

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. It is also the leading cause of fire injuries. Cooking fires often result from unattended cooking or human error, rather than mechanical failure of stoves or ovens.

• Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths. Smoke detectors and smolder resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents.

• Heating is the second leading cause of fires in residential fires and ties with arson as the second leading cause of fire deaths. However, 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.

• Arson is the third leading cause of residential fires and a leading cause of residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the leading cause of deaths, injuries, and dollar loss.

Who is Most at Risk?

• Senior citizens and children under the age of five have the greatest risk of fire death.

• The fire death risk among seniors is more than double the average population.

• The fire death risk for children under five is nearly double the risk of the average population.

• Children under the age of ten account for an estimated 20% of all fire related deaths in 1995.

• Children playing with fire start over 30% of the fires that kill young children.

• Men die, or are injured in fires twice as often as women.
What Saves Lives?

• A working smoke detector dramatically increases a person's chance of surviving a fire.

• Approximately 90% of U.S. homes have at least one smoke detector. However, these alarms are not always properly maintained and as a result might not work in an emergency. There has been a disturbing increase over the last ten years in the number of fires than occur in homes with non-functioning smoke detectors.

• It is estimated that over 40% of residential fires and three fifths of residential fatalities occur in homes with no smoke detector.

• Residential sprinkler systems have become the more cost effective means to protect your home from fire. Currently, they protect very few homes.

The Facts on the Nature of Fire

Everyday Americans experience the horror of fire. But most people don't understand fire. Only when we know the true nature of fire can we prepare our families and ourselves.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) believes that teaching the basic facts about fire can reduce fire deaths. Below are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of fire.

Fire is Fast...There is Little Time!

In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can become engulfed in flames. Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because the fire spreads too quickly and the smoke will become very thick. There is only enough time to escape.

Fire is Hot... Heat is More Threatening than Flames!

A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperature in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level, and 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling the super heated gases from a fire can and will scorch your throat and lungs. This heat will melt clothes to your skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that the entire room will burst into flames. This is called flash over.

Fire is Dark...It's Pitch Black!

Fire starts out bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you have lived in for years.

Fire is Deadly...Smoke and Toxic Gases Kill More people Than Flames Do!

Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of the smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.

USEFUL LINKS

Home Fire Prevention
What to do: Hurricane & Tornado Fire Safety
What to do: Earthquake Fire Safety
Fireplace & Home Fire Safety
Fire Safety Beyond the City Limits
Check Your Hot Spots
Security Bar Safety
Curious Kids Start Fires
USFA's Fire Safety Kid's Page
What to do: Summer Storm Fire Safety
Fire Safety for Colleges & Universities
Bedroom Fire Safety
Consumer Product Recalls & Advisories
What to do: Winter Storm Fire Safety