The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates there are 373,900 home structure fires each year. Each year, residential fires claim 2,650 lives and cause 12,890 injuries to civilians, resulting in $7.1 billion in direct damage.
Some notable facts:
Cooking equipment has been the leading cause for fires (42%), followed by heating equipment (17%), and intentional fires (8%).
It’s no surprise that leading causes for fire injury were in the kitchen (37%) and fires involving heating equipment (13%).
Though smoking was a relatively small source of residential fires (5%), smoking related fires produced 25% of all fire related deaths and 10% of injuries.
The best strategy? Be prepared. Survey your home for possible fire risks. Have fire extinguishers on every floor and know how to use them properly. Install smoke alarms and test them regularly. Educate everyone, including children, about fire prevention, fire safety, and planning for emergencies.
The only good fire is the one that never happens. Safety and prevention save lives, prevent injuries, and protects property.
