Home Fires

Eighty-five percent of fire deaths occur in the home (one-or two-family dwellings, apartments or manufactured housing). 72% of all fire deaths result from fires in one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured homes.

Facts & Figures*

In 2000, there were 368,000 home fires in the United States, resulting in 3,420 deaths, 16,975 injuries and $5.5 billion in direct property damage.
Home fire deaths have fallen 34% from 5,200 in 1980 to 3,420 in 2000.
The statistics below are based on annual averages for the five-year period from 1994 through 1998:
Half of all home fire deaths resulted from fires that were reported between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Only one-fourth of the home fires occur during these hours.
January was the peak month for home fire deaths. February ranked second, and December was third.
Smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths overall, but in the months of December, January and February, smoking and heating equipment caused similar shares of fire deaths. Cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries year-round.
Although children five and under make up about 9% of the country's population, they accounted for 17% of the home fire deaths, assigning them a risk twice the national average. Adults 65 and older also face a risk twice the average, while people 85 and older have a risk that is almost four-and-a-half times more than average.
Only one-fifth of the home fire deaths from 1989-1998 were caused by fires in which a smoke alarm was present and operated.
Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2000, 18 home fires killed five or more people. These 18 fires resulted in 99 deaths, accounting for 3% of all home fire deaths.**

(* From national estimates reported to U.S. municipal fire departments based on NFIRS and NFPA survey. Excludes fires reported only to federal or state agencies or industrial fire brigades.)
 

Fire Extinguishers



A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Safety Tips:

1.. Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.
2.. To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
- Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle
pointing away from you, and release the locking
mechanism.
- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
3.. For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
4.. Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
5.. Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.
6.. Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.

7.. Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

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