Fire Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Loss in the United States report, 2021 saw an estimated 1,353,500 fires reported in the United States. These fires caused an estimated 3,800 civilian fire fatalities; 14,700 civilian fire injuries; and an estimated $15.9 billion in direct property damage.
338,000 were structure fires, causing 2,840 civilian fire deaths, 11,100 civilian fire injuries, and an estimated $8.4 billion in property damage.
208,500 were vehicle fires, causing 680 civilian fire deaths, 1,500 civilian fire injuries, and an estimated $2.1 billion in property damage.
658,500 were outside and other fires, causing 110 civilian fire deaths, 600 civilian fire injuries, and $363 million in property damage.
In 2021, on average:
- One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 18 minutes.
- A U.S. fire department responded to a structure fire every 65 seconds, a structure fire death occurred every 2 hours and 54 minutes, and a structure fire injury occurred every 41 minutes.
- A U.S. fire department responded to one vehicle fire every 3 minutes and 2 seconds.
- A U.S. fire department responded to a fire in an outside or unclassified property every 48 seconds.
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.
Resources
- Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction (U.S. Fire Administration)
- Fire Safety (National Safety Council)
- Fire Safety Activity Book (U.S. Fire Administration)
- Home Heating Fact Sheet (National Fire Protection Association)
- Installing and Maintaining Smoke Alarms (National Fire Protection Association)
- Protect Your Child from Scalds and Burns (Safe Kids Worldwide)
- Wildfire Detection, Control, and Prevention (Alabama Forestry Commission)
Related Websites
Page last updated: November 7, 2023
