Statistical Reports: Intentionally Set 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: Intentionally Set Fires in Residential Buildings (2008-2010)

Findings from this report:

  • An estimated 16,800 intentionally set fires in residential buildings occur annually in the U.S. These fires result in an estimated 280 deaths, 775 injuries, and $593 million in property loss each year.
  • 5 percent of all residential building fires were intentionally set.
  • Lighters (22 percent), heat from other open flame or smoking materials (19 percent), and matches (15 percent) were the leading heat sources of intentionally set fires in residential buildings.
  • The majority (76 percent) of intentionally set fires in residential buildings occurred in one- or two-family dwellings. An additional 19 percent of fires occurred in multifamily dwellings.
  • Forty-one percent of the intentionally set residential fires occurred in vacant buildings.
  • Rubbish, trash, and waste (8 percent); magazines, newspapers, and writing paper (7 percent); and uncontained flammable liquids or gas (6 percent) were the items most often first ignited in intentionally set fires in residential buildings.

Download Intentionally Set Fires in Residential Buildings (2008-2010) » (PDF, 746 Kb)