Injury Prevention
Bureau of Prevention, Promotion, and Support
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Fire Safety
In 2018, there were 1,318,500 fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,655 civilian fire fatalities; 15,200 civilian fire injuries; and an estimated $25.6 billion in direct property damage.
- 499,000 were structure fires, causing 2,820 civilian fire deaths, 11,600 civilian fire injuries, and an estimated $11.1 billion in property damage.
- 181,500 were vehicle fires, causing 490 civilian fire deaths, 1,300 civilian fire injuries, and an estimated $1.4 billion in property damage.
- 607,000 were outside and other fires, causing 90 civilian fire deaths, 1,000 civilian fire injuries, and $778 million in property damage.
In 2018, a U.S. fire department responded to a fire every 24 seconds. One structure fire was reported every 63 seconds.
- One home structure fire was reported every 87 seconds.
- One civilian fire injury was reported every 35 minutes; and civilian fire injury in home fires every 41 minutes.
- One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 24 minutes; and in a home fire every 3 hours and 13 minutes.
- One outside and other fire was reported every 52 seconds.
- One highway vehicle fire was reported every 2 minutes 54 seconds.
- Learn About Smoke Alarms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Smoke Alarm Installation and Fire Safety Education (SAIFE) Program
Fire Safety Tips
- Test smoke alarms every month.
- When cooking, always wear fitted clothing, and do not leave stoves unattended.
- Never smoke in bed, and keep lighters and matches away from kids.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from a flammable source, and do not leave fireplaces unattended.
- Do not use damaged electrical cords or overload outlets.
Publications
- Fire Safety Resource Manual
- Fire Safety Activity Book
- Fire Safety
- Six Steps to Home Fire Safety
- Preventing Falls and Fires: A Handbook for Seniors
- Fire Safety Prevention Plan
- Alabama Forest Facts
- Carbon Monoxide
- Home Heating Fact Sheet
- Protect Your Child from Scalds and Burns
Related Websites
Page last updated: January 24, 2023