Important Statistics:
- The latest statistics from the United States Fire Administration indicate the 2008 fire death rate was 12 per million of population, down from 13.6 in 2004.
- More Americans die in fires every year than in all natural disasters combined.
- From 2004 to 2009, an average of 3912 Americans died annually as a result of fire.
- In 2009, 14,100 injuries were reported as a result of fire.
- Approximately 81 percent of fire deaths occur in residences.
- Property loss as a result of fires was estimated at 10.1 billion in 2009.
- 445,400 fires were reported in the United States in 2009.
- Cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home as well as the leading cause of fire related injuries.
- Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
- Arson fires, fires purposely set, are the second leading cause of residential fires and residential fire deaths.
- Problems with or misuse of heating devices is the third leading cause of fires in the home.
Working smoke detectors will dramatically increase your chances of survival should a fire occur in your home. While smoke detectors are a good resource, your best defense is a good offense. Seek fire safety information from your local fire department and practice what you learn. For safety information, continue to browse this site or, if you are a district resident, contact the administrative headquarters directly at 636-441-8799.
All information on this page obtained from FEMA.
