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.
![2,745 deaths](/img/icons/2745-deaths.png)
![625](/img/icons/bandaid-625.png)
![$230 million](/img/icons/230-million.png)
![midnight to 1 a.m.](/img/icons/12-1-clock.png)
Fatal fires in residential buildings were highest between midnight to 1 a.m. (7%).
![midnight to 1 a.m.](/img/icons/calendar-jan.450x450.png)
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.
![bedroom](/img/icons/bed.450x450.png)
Fatal fires in residential buildings most often started in bedrooms (27%) and common areas such as living and family rooms (26%).
![smoke alarm](/img/icons/smoke-alarm.450x450.png)
Smoke alarms were not present in 24% of fatal fires in occupied residential buildings.