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The Woods of Wimbledon > Fire Safety > A Report on Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings

A Report on Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings

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U.S. Fire Administration releases report on Civilian Fire Injuries in Residential Buildings (2008–2010)

Fires can strike anywhere—in structures, buildings, automobiles, and the outdoors. Fires that affect our homes are often the most tragic and the most preventable. While the loss of our possessions can be upsetting, the physical injuries and psychological impact that fires inflict are often far more devastating. It is a sad fact, but each year, over 70 percent of all civilian fire injuries occur as a result of fires in residential buildings—our homes.  The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recently released the following statistics covering 2008-2010:

  • 76 % of all civilian fire injuries occurred as a result of fires in residential buildings.
  • Cooking (30 %) was the primary cause for residential building fires that resulted in injuries.
  • 35% of civilian fire injuries in residential buildings resulted from trying to control a fire followed by attempting to escape (26 %).
  • 79 % 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 %).
  • Bedrooms (35 %) were the leading location where civilian injuries occurred in residential building fires.
  • Every 40 minutes someone is injured in a residential building fire somewhere in the U.S.

CESD would like to remind everyone:

  • Have a working smoke detector on each level of your home and preferably one outside each bedroom.
  • Don’t leave cooking materials unattended. Grease fires are a very common result of unattended cooking fires.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • If you have a fire: GET OUT, CALL  911, and most importantly, STAY OUT! Even small fires can grow explosively and can rapidly produce debilitating smoke and gases that can render you unconscious. Once you are out, stay there and await the fire department.

For more information visit:   www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/

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