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

• Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office
• American Burn Association
• National Fire Protection Association
• SAFEKIDS USA Fire and Burn Safety
• Smokey Bear
• Sparky the Fire Dog
• United States Fire Administration