Topical Fire Report Series

The National Fire Data Center's Topical Fire Report Series explores facets of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), each issue briefly addresses the nature and relevance of the specific fire or fire-related problem, highlights important findings, and suggests other resources to consider for further information. Each topical report also includes recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report.

Volume 3

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  • PDF, 244 KbThanksgiving Day - Residential Structure Fires (PDF, 244 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 1 - November 2002)
    As with many U.S. holidays, fire incidence increases on Thanksgiving Day. This increase is troubling as it applies mostly to cooking fires in the family home. Each year, nearly 4,300 fires in the United States occur on Thanksgiving day causing 15 fatalities, about 50 injuries, and nearly $27 million in property damage.
  • PDF, 150 KbResidential Structure Fires During the Winter Holiday Season (PDF, 150 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 2 - December 2002)
    Probably the most popular addition to the home during the holiday season, and a significant fire hazard, is the Christmas tree. Dried-out fir and pine Christmas trees ignite easily and can accelerate fire growth by spreading rapidly to nearby combustible materials in the home.
  • PDF, 121 KbEstablishing a Relationship Between Alcohol and Casualties of Fire (PDF, 121 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 3 - July 2003)
    This report links alcohol abuse with the risk of unintentional injuries, with specific focus on fire injuries where alcohol may be a contributing factor.
  • PDF, 99 KbCase Study: Contribution of Alcohol to Fire Fatalities in Minnesota (PDF, 99 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 4 - July 2003)
    This case study is useful for understanding the scope, magnitude, and circumstances of the relationship between alcohol and unintentional injuries, especially fire fatalities.
  • PDF, 93 KbCase Study: Contribution of Alcohol to Fire Fatalities in Ontario (PDF, 93 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 5 - July 2003)
    This topical report investigates the impact of alcohol consumption on fire fatalities in Ontario, Canada. The objective is to look at the circumstances and causes of fire fatalities in a way that alerts both the public and public officials about the connection of alcohol abuse to the fire problem overall and to fire fatalities specifically.
  • PDF, 123 KbThe Seasonal Nature of Fire Incidents in 2000 (PDF, 123 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 6 - June 2004)
    Explores fire patterns by each season in 2000; both the changes in incidence and the causes of fire are discussed. The seasons are measured in 3-month blocks: winter is December through February, spring is March through May, summer is June through August, and fall is September through November.
  • PDF, 86 KbNightclub Fires in 2000 (PDF, 86 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 7 - June 2004)
    Examines the incidence and characteristics of nightclub fires.
  • PDF, 103 KbAll Structure Fires in 2000 (PDF, 103 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 8 - June 2004)
    Based on 2000 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), fires in structures account for more than 30% of all fires, but they cause nearly 76% of property loss, approximately 72% of fatalities, and nearly 82% of injuries resulting from fires.
  • PDF, 104 KbResidential Structure Fires in 2000 (PDF, 104 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 9 - December 2002)
    Generally, residential structures account for only one-quarter of all fires, but result in three-quarters of fire fatalities and injuries and half of all dollar loss. In 2000, 23% of all fires were in residential structures, resulting in 68% of all fire deaths, 70% of all fire injuries, and 46% of all dollar loss.
  • PDF, 107 KbNon-Residential Structure Fires in 2000 (PDF, 107 Kb, Volume 3, Issue 10 - June 2004)
    Non-residential structure fires account for only 8% of all fires in the United States, and only one-quarter of all fires that take place in structures; however, they are among the most costly of all fires.