USFA Releases Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) Topical Report

Report focuses on the causes and characteristics of fire injuries in residential buildings

Emmitsburg, MD. – The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of civilian fire injuries in residential buildings. The report, Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) (PDF, 389 Kb), was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is based on 2008 to 2010 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).

According to the report:

• Seventy-six percent of all civilian fire injuries occurred as a result of fires in residential buildings.
• Cooking (30 percent) was the primary cause for residential building fires that resulted in injuries.
• Thirty-five percent of civilian fire injuries in residential buildings resulted from trying to control a fire followed by attempting to escape (26 percent).
• Seventy-nine percent of injuries resulting from residential building fires involved smoke inhalation and thermal burns.
• The leading human factor contributing to injuries in residential building fires was being asleep (55 percent).
• Bedrooms (35 percent) were the leading location where civilian injuries occurred in residential building fires.

Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) is part of the Topical Fire Report Series. Topical reports explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in NFIRS. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context.

For further information regarding other topical reports or any programs and training available at USFA, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.

The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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