Between 2003 and 2006, an estimated 378,600 home structure fires were reported, causing an annual average of 2,850 civilian deaths, 13,090 civilian fire injuries and $6.1 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association’s Home Structure Fires report, covering one- and two-family dwellings and apartments. Home fires accounted for 73% of all reported structure fires, 91% of civilian structure fire deaths, 86% of the civilian structure fire injuries and 69% of the direct property loss.
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries, while smoking materials are the leading causes of home fire deaths. Approximately 24% of all home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom; 23% resulted from fires originating in the living room, family room, or den. Although smoke alarms operated in 52% of the reported home fires, no working smoke alarm was present in 63% of the home fire deaths.
The report further breaks down causes and circumstances of home fires reported during the four year period:
Roughly 33% of home fires and home fire deaths occurred in December, January and February.
About 41% of home fires began in the kitchen or cooking area.
Heating equipment fires caused the largest percentage of direct property damage.
96% of all homes have at least one smoke alarm.
53% of the people killed by home fires were in the room or area of origin when the fire started.
The full National Fire Protection Association’s Home Structure Fires report can be downloaded online.
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