At a Glance
Each year, from 2018 to 2020, an estimated average of 1,900 fatal fires in residential buildings were reported to fire departments within the United States.
injuries
in property loss
Fatal fires in residential buildings were highest between midnight to 1 a.m. (7%).
Fatal fires in residential buildings were more prevalent in the cooler months, peaking in January (14%).
“Other unintentional, careless” action was the leading cause of fatal fires in residential buildings (20%).
80% In 80% of fatal fires in residential buildings, the fire extended beyond the room of origin.
Fatal fires in residential buildings most often started in bedrooms (27%) and common areas such as living and family rooms (26%).
Smoke alarms were not present in 24% of fatal fires in occupied residential buildings.