The residential structure fire problem represented approximately 81 percent of all fire deaths and 79 percent of the injuries to civilians in 2006. Between 1997 and 2006, an average of 3,090 civilians lost their lives and another 15,340 were injured annually as the result of residential structure fires.
Residential structures include one- and two-family dwellings (including manufactured homes), apartments, hotels, motels, college dormitories, boarding houses, etc.
The following table shows the number of fires, deaths, injuries and dollar loss that occurred in residential structures from 1997 to 2006.
Residential Structures
Year
Fires
Deaths
Injuries
Direct Dollar Loss In Millions
1997
406,500
3,390
17,775
$4,585
1998
381,500
3,250
17,175
$4,391
1999
383,000
2,920
16,425
$5,092
2000
379,500
3,445
17,400
$5,674
2001
396,500
3,140
15,575
$5,643
2002
401,000
2,695
14,050
$6,055
2003
402,000
3,165
14,075
$6,074
2004
410,500
3,225
14,175
$5,948
2005
396,000
3,055
13,825
$6,875
2006
412,500
2,620
12,925
$6,990
Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. During 2006.
Causes of Residential Fires: 2006 Partial NFIRS Data
What is NFIRS?
NFIRS is the standard national reporting system used by U.S. fire departments to report fires and other incidents to which they respond and to maintain records of these incidents in a uniform manner. Learn More »