By Matt Kapko
FireRescue1 News Editor
Despite an increase in the number of fires in 2005, fewer people died as a result of fires, according to a new study by the National Fire Protection Association.
During 2005, approximately 3,675 people died in fires in the United States – one every 143 minutes. Although the year saw a 3.3 percent increase in fires from the previous year, the number of fire-related deaths decreased by 5.8 percent.
The results point to the third lowest fire death toll that NFPA has recorded since it began conducting the annual study in 1977. The entire study, Fire Loss in the United States During 2005, can be viewed in PDF at: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/OS.fireloss.pdf. Streaming audio analysis of the study can also be accessed at: http://www.nfpa.org/firelossreport.
Other trends remain steady. House fires continue to account for the majority of fire deaths – 82 percent in 2005. And deaths occurring from fires in cars and other highway vehicles continue to be responsible for the second-highest number of fire deaths – 14 percent. All other buildings, vehicles and locations accounted for the remaining 4 percent.
Fire departments responded to an estimated 1.6 million fires in 2005, including 381,000 reported home structure fires, 130,000 other structure fires, 259,000 highway vehicle fires, 31,000 other vehicle fires and 801,000 outdoor fires. Roughly half of all fires responded to in 2005 were outdoors, principally involving brush or rubbish.
Approximately 17,925 people, excluding firefighters, were injured by fire in 2005, marking the second lowest total recorded by NFPA, and slightly higher than the estimated 17,785 injuries reported in 2004.
There was a 9 percent increase in property damage loss, totaling $10.6 billion, marking the fourth lowest total since the late 70s.
The NFPA study concluded that fire prevention and safety in the home are key to continued reductions in the overall fire problem. The following strategies are recommended to prevent home fires and reduce their losses:
- Increase the reach of public fire safety education about fire prevention and how to avoid serious injury or death if fire occurs.
- Emphasize the use and maintenance of smoke alarms, as well as the need to develop and practice escape plans to best use the extra escape time smoke alarms provide.
- Expand the use of residential sprinklers in the home.
- Seek additional ways to make home products more fire safe.
- Address special fire safety needs of high-risk groups.