Statistical Reports: Structure Fires

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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.

New: Large Loss Building Fires
Findings from this report:

  • Forty-eight percent of large loss fires occur in residential buildings.
  • Exposures are the leading cause of large loss building fires at 22 percent, followed by electrical malfunctions (12 percent), other unintentional, careless actions (11 percent), and intentional (9 percent).
  • A peak in large loss building fires is seen between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
  • Attics are the primary origin of all large loss building fires, along with cooking areas or kitchens.

Download Large Loss Building Fires » (PDF, 834)

See Also: Structure Fires - Residential | Structure Fires - Nonresidential

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