Unprepared Americans Encounter Fire Risks

Nearly 4,000 people die each year in fires at home, according to a new study released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration.

The statistics are alarming, said FEMA's director, Michael D. Brown. “Residential structure fires, the very place people should feel the safest, unfortunately account for the vast majority of fatal fires,” he said. “What's most worrisome is that in a full two-thirds of these fires, smoke alarms are missing or not working.”

Structure fires accounted for 74 percent of the 3,300 fatal fires in 2002. Of these fatal structure fires, 94 percent occurred in residences, FEMA reported.

Property losses also are 16 times as great in fatal fires as in nonfatal fires. Flame damage is more extensive in fatal fires, and in more than half of fatal structure fires, flame damage extended throughout the structures, whereas flame damage extended throughout structures in only 18 percent of nonfatal fires.

Other alarming statistics were revealed regarding the causes of many of these fires. Arson was the leading cause of fatal residential structure fires, accounting for 22 percent, followed closely by smoking at 21 percent. Arson fires are increasing, up from 20 percent in the February 2002 report, which listed smoking as the leading cause of fatal fires at 24 percent.

Most fatal fires are preventable, the fire administration noted. Simple precautions include smoking outside and not when drowsy; properly maintaining, routinely inspecting, and properly installing heating equipment; and never leaving cooking unattended. In addition, the presence of properly installed and functioning smoke alarms can prevent many fire fatalities.

“An unacceptable number of Americans are losing their lives and being injured by fires each year,” said U.S. Fire Administrator David Paulison. “We know that smoke alarms, escape plans, child fire prevention programs, and residential sprinklers save lives. We continue to encourage everyone to take the steps necessary to ensure that their homes are fire safe today.”