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Candle Fires in Residential Structures [2001]
"Retail sales of candles are growing each year. The National Candle Association estimates that sales exceeded $2.3 billion in 2000. Nearly 2,000 varieties of candles are on the market, ranging from those used for religious purposes to those used for holiday dec-orations. Candles are responsible for approximately 9,400 residential structure fires each year and cause 950 civilian injuries, 90 fatalities, and $120.5 million in direct property loss. This paper examines the causes and characteristics of these candle fires."
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Fire Risk to Older Adults [2004]
"Older Americans are burdened with the gravest fire risk in the United States and are consistently more threatened with injury or death by fire than any other segment of society. While admirable strides have been made in lowering the overall U.S. fire death rate in the last decade, fewer gains have been realized among the oldest age groups. Fire caused 4,007 deaths in 2001 according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data. Older adults were disproportionately the victims-fire fatalities among persons aged 65 years or older in 2001 was 1,250, accounting for more than 30% of all fire casualties that year. Currently, older adults comprise 12% of the U.S. population, and their ranks are growing. It is estimated that the older population will rise sharply between 2010 and 2030, the years when the baby−boom generation will be in retirement. Better health care and new developments in medicine continue to increase American life expectancy. By their 65th birthday, on average, Americans can expect to live another 17 years. At this rate, older adults would comprise 20% of the U.S. population by 2050 (Figure 1). The oldest of these mature adults-those persons 85 years and older-are members of the fastest growing population group. At close to one−third of total fire deaths, the number of older Americans who die in fires across the nation is clearly high. The issue becomes even more concerning when the relative risk of fire death encountered by older Americans is compared to the rest of the adult population."
United States Fire Administration
2004-12
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Fire Risk to Older Adults
"Older Americans are burdened with the gravest fire risk in the United States, and are consistently more threatened with injury or death by fire than any other segment of society. While admirable strides have been made in lowering the overall U.S. fire death rate in the last decade, fewer gains have been realized among the oldest age groups. This Topical Fire Report explores the risk of fire death in the older adult population and is an update to The Fire Risk to Older Adults, Volume 4, Issue 9. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data, nearly 4,000 deaths were caused by fire in 2004. Older adults were disproportionately the victims-fire fatalities among persons aged 65 years or older in 2004 were 1,265, accounting for nearly 32% of all fire casualties that year. Older adults comprise 12% of the U.S. population,and their ranks are growing. It is estimated that the older population will rise sharply between 2010 and 2030, the years when the baby boom generation will be in retirement. By 2030, the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Aging estimates adults aged 65 and over will comprise 20% of the U.S. population. Better health care and new developments in medicine continue to increase American life expectancy. By their 65th birthday, on average, Americans can expect to live another 19 years. At close to one-third of total fire deaths, the number of older Americans who die in fires across the Nation clearly is high. The issue becomes even more concerning when the relative risk of fire death encountered by older Americans is compared to the rest of the adult population."
United States Fire Administration
2008-02
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Grill Fires on Residential Properties
"From 2006 to 2008, an estimated 5,700 grill fires on residential properties occurred annually in the United States. These fires resulted in an estimated average of 10 deaths, 100 injuries, and $37 million in property loss each year. This report addresses the characteristics of grill fires on residential properties reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) between 2006 and 2008. Grill fires on residential properties are defined as fires where a grill, hibachi, or barbecue is the principal equipment involved in ignition and the property use is residential. Of these fires, 45 percent are residential structure fires, 47 percent are outside fires, and 8 percent are other, unspecified fires."
United States Fire Administration
2010-05
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Residential Fires and Older Adult Casualties
"An estimated 720 adults aged 65 or older were killed in residential fires in 2002.These deaths accounted for nearly 27% of all residential fire deaths that year. An additional 1,600 older adults were injured in residential fires- 11% of residential fire injuries in 2002. Coupled with an increasing older population, these statistics indicate a problem of growing concern to the fire service."
United States Fire Administration
2005-06
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Smoke Alarm Performance in Residential Structure Fires
"Each year, there are an estimated 405,000 fires in residential structures, which cause nearly 3,600 fatalities, 18,600 injuries, and $4.7 billion in property loss. Given the enormity of the U.S. fire problem, fire service and public health experts are constantly seeking programs/devices that will reduce the number of lives lost and property destroyed by fire." Since 1970 when battery-powered smoke alarms were first introduced, smoke alarms have become a familiar presence in American homes. By 2000, they were installed in nearly 94% of U.S. households. This topical report [revised December 2001] examines the performance of smoke alarms in residential structure fires. Particular attention is given to fatal fires, especially those with multiple victims."
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Winter Residential Fires
"Thirty percent of all fires (543,600 averaged over 1996-98) occur during the winter months from November through February. These winter fires average 8,775 injuries, 1,910 deaths, and $3 billion in property loss each year. In residences, however, more fires occur in the winter (37%) than in the other two-thirds of the year. [...]. This report [revised December 2001] examines the causes and characteristics of winter fires."
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Fraternity and Sorority House Fires
"Each year in the United States, there are an estimated 150 fires in fraternity and sorority houses. From data reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), these fires are responsible for 10 civilian casualties and $2.1 million in property loss annually. This report examines the characteristics of fires coded in NFIRS as specifically occurring in fraternity or sorority houses. The data do not distinguish between fraternity and sorority houses. Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that fires are more common in fraternity houses than in sorority houses." This paper was revised March 2002.
United States Fire Administration
2002
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Grill Fires
"Each year, the fire service responds to an estimated 6,500 grill fires. These fires account for 150 civilian injuries, less than 5 civilian deaths, and $27.6 million in property loss (Figure 1). Together, these three areas account for two-thirds of all residential grill fires. Of these grill fires, 71% occur in residential areas. In residential areas, 63% of grill fires occur outside the structure, while 32% percent are coded as 'structure fires.' This report examines the characteristics of all grill fires, with specific focus on outdoor grill fires occurring in residential areas-the most common type of grill fire." This paper was revised March 2002.
United States Fire Administration
2002-03
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Firefighter Fatalities in 2000
"The number of firefighter fatalities has steadily decreased over the last 25 years, from a high of 171 in 1978 to a low of 75 in 1992. Despite this trend in absolute terms, approximately 100 firefighters are killed in the line of duty each year and tens of thou-sands are injured. In 2000, 102 firefighters died. This report details the circumstances surrounding their deaths and briefly examines trends in firefighter mortality." This paper was revised December 2001.
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Highway Vehicle Fires
"From 1996 to 1998, there were an estimated annual average of 377,000 highway vehicle (automobiles, vans, trucks) fires. (Highway vehicle fires represent more than 96% of all mobile property fires.) Each year, these fires resulted in an average of approximately 515 deaths, 3,000 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property loss. This report addresses the characteristics of 1998 highway vehicle fires. Data are from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). Figure 1 compares losses from vehicle fires with those of all reported fires averaged over a 3-year period (1996-98)." This paper was revised March 2002.
United States Fire Administration
2002-03
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Dangers of Fireworks
"Fireworks are enjoyable and exciting to watch, but each year they injure thousands of people, many of them children, and cause thousands of fires. Federal and state laws prohibit the sale of certain types of fireworks, but even those that are legal can be dangerous. For example, sparklers, which are legal in the majority of states, burn at temperatures of approximately 2,000 [degrees] F." This report, revised December 2001, provides data on the number, causes and characteristics of these fires.
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Dormitory Fires
"Each year in the United States, there are an estimated 1,300 fires in high school, private and prep school, and university dormitories. These fires are responsible for less than 5 deaths, and approximately 50 injuries and $4.1 million in property loss annually. This topical report [revised December 2001] examines the characteristics of fires coded in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) occurring in dormitories."
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Church Fires
"Each year from 1996 to 1998, an average of 1,300 churches reported a fire. These fires were responsible for an estimated $38 million in property loss, less than 5 civilian deaths, and nearly 25 injuries annually." This paper examines the trends and factors related church fires. This paper was revised March 2002.
United States Fire Administration
2002-03
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Firefighter Injuries in Structures
"Firefighting is an extremely dangerous profession, especially in the suppression of structure fires. The firefighter's mission is to protect life and property. Each year, thou-sands of firefighters are injured in the performance of their duties. This paper examines the trends and factors related to firefighter injuries in structures. The 1999 data are from the annual survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); the 1998 data are from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). (1998 is the most recent year for which NFIRS data are available.)" This paper was revised March 2002.
United States Fire Administration
2002-03
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Traffic Calming - Speed Humps Effect on Emergency Response Times
This paper is a product of the United States Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program. "In the past several years, the City of Des Plaines has received numerous requests from citizens and public officials for the installation of speed humps. They are viewed as the solution to control speeding vehicles and relieve traffic congestion in residential neighborhoods. The public's lack of knowledge of traffic calming methods has led to the requests for speed humps; when other methods may be more appropriate or beneficial to use. Since the City has no formal traffic calming policy, the requests have been denied, even though they may be valid. As more requests are being received, pressure from the public is increasing for their installation. The fire department is concerned that City will begin to approve the use of speed humps, which have a negative effect on fire apparatus response times to emergencies. Through descriptive research, this study identified the purposes for traffic calming and the most popular methods used in the Chicagoland area. The effects traffic calming has on fire apparatus response times were examined along with criteria required to develop a traffic calming policy. Literature review was conducted to better understand the subject. Surveys were conducted of Chicagoland fire departments to ascertain their experience with traffic calming. Interviews were conducted with individuals that have experience with traffic calming in their municipality. The research results concluded that traffic calming is effective and provides the regulations required to reduce the speed of vehicles and cut-through traffic in targeted areas. It also determined that speed humps absolutely effect response time of fire apparatus. The research outlines what a traffic calming policy should include to provide the desired results for all stakeholders and it is recommended that the City of Des Plaines draft a traffic calming policy."
United States Fire Administration
Jaeger, Randel R.
2009
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Mission Ready: An Evaluation of the Virginia Beach Fire Department Disaster Preparedness Program
This paper is a product of the United States Fire Administration's Executive Fire Officer Program. "This Research evaluated the Virginia Beach Fire Department disaster preparedness program to assess goal achievement. Using questionnaires, improvements to individual, station and departmental preparedness were assessed, while simultaneously identifying if perceptions were impacted by demographics, while also identifying potential program improvements. The findings indicated the majority of the respondents believed individual and organizational preparedness had been improved, but site preparation remained in need of improvement. The findings were not impacted by demographic factors, and recommended improvements included a modified training program based on department-specific needs and an expanded program of disaster exercises."
United States Fire Administration
Poulin, Thomas E.
2006-01
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Children and Fire
"According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 53 percent of arrests for arson are children under the age of 18. Approximately one-third are under the age of 15. Despite decreases in other indicators of juvenile violent crime (e.g., murder, aggravated assault), the incidence of juvenile arson is on the rise." This report, revised December 2001, addresses the causes and characteristics of these fires.
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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School Fires
"Each year in the United States, an average of 5,500 structure fires occur in educational institutions -- public, private, and parochial schools where students attend during the day only. These fires are responsible for approximately 125 injuries, fewer than 5 fatalities, and $50.1 million in fire loss. Fires to the actual structure of educational institutions account for only 43% of fires to these properties. The remaining 57% occur outdoors and generally involve refuse or other items of little value. Therefore, this report [revised March 2002] addresses only the causes and characteristics of structure fires in schools."
United States Fire Administration
2002-03
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Child Fire Casualties
"Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children from 1 to 21 years of age. Fire and related burns are the third leading cause of these unintentional injuries. Each year in the United States an estimated 2,800 children age 14 or younger are injured and 850 killed in residential fires. Of these children, over 40 percent are under the age five, 70 percent are under the age of 10." This report, revised December 2001, addresses the causes and characteristics of these fires.
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Christmas/Christmas Tree Fires
"The Holiday season is typically regarded as extending from late November to early January and includes Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Day. Using the latest 3 years of data, the yearly estimated fire loss for December 24, 25, and 26 is estimated at over $80 million. Each year, these losses result from an estimated 11,600 fires that required a fire department response. These fires cause an annual average of approximately 250 injuries and 40 fatalities." This report, revised December 2001, addresses the causes and characteristics of these fires.
United States Fire Administration
2001-12
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Evacuation Plans for High-Rise Buildings: Leading Community Risk Reduction
"The problem was there was nothing specifically identified in the 2003 International Fire Code that requires high-rise buildings evaluate their evacuation plans. This research's purpose was to identify systems to test evacuation plans in high-rise occupancies and make recommendations for amendments to City of Sugar Land codes. Descriptive research methods were used to answer questions regarding available testing systems, business concerns regarding drills, which test[s] would be beneficial to both businesses and the city in regards to testing plans and code changes, and any type of enforcement criteria. Procedures included personal interviews with property managers and questionnaires to both managers and fire departments. Suggestions for amendments to the 2003 International Fire Code were proposed for the city's adoption based on information from research, interviews, and questionnaires. Recommendations were also made regarding additional funds and staffing necessary for proper implementation of proposals."
United States Fire Administration
Fenwick, Clayton W.
2006-03
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U.S. Fire Administration: Residential Structure and Building Fires: October 2008
This document from the U.S. Fire Administration details the trends involved in residential fires and other predictive data."The residential portion of the fire problem continues to account for the vast majority of civilian casual¬ties. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates show that, while residential structure fires account for only 25 percent of fires nationwide, they account for a disproportionate share of losses: 83 percent of fire deaths, 77 percent of fire injuries, and 64 percent of direct dollar losses.1 Analyses of the residential structure fire problem were published formerly as a chapter in each edition of Fire in the United States. The most recent edition of Fire in the United States, the fourteenth edition published in August 2007, featured an abbreviated chapter on residential structures. This full report is the most current snapshot of the residential fire problem as reflected in the 2005 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data and the 2005 NFPA survey data. In this report, as in previous chapters in Fire in the United States, an attempt has been made to keep the data presentation and analysis as straightforward as possible. It is also the desire of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to make the report widely accessible to many different users, so it avoids unnecessarily complex methodology."
United States Fire Administration
2008-10
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Fire and the Older Adult
This document prepared by the U.S. Fire Administration addresses current trends and characteristics among those people 65 and older and the risk factors that they face with regard to fire. The study uses its own methodology, which is used to address sensory and cognitive impairments, disabilities and mobility limitations, alcohol and prescription drugs, and economic and social factors. From the text: "In 2000, individuals 65 years and older comprised 12 percent of the America's population. By 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the proportion of older Americans will rise to 16 percent (55 million older adults) and that by 2050 there will be more than 86 million older Americans, accounting for 21 percent of the U.S. population. More than half of older Americans are between ages 65 and 74; 88 percent are between 65 and 84. Fifty-nine percent of the elderly population are women and 83 percent are white. Seventy−three percent of elderly men are married compared with 41 percent of elderly women. Geographically, the largest population groups of older Americans reside in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The South and Midwest have the largest number of elderly residents as a percentage of the overall population. […] Data regarding residential structure fires and older adults show that, despite the differences in fire risk factors, there are many similarities between fires involving the elderly and fires involving the nonelderly. But there are also important differences, such as the time of day fatal and injurious fires occur, and the gender and racial breakdown of fire fatalities and injuries."
United States Fire Administration
2006-01
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Fire Department Response to Biological Threat at B'nai B'rith Headquarters Washington, D.C.
"Fire Department Response to Biological Threat at B'nai B'rith Headquarters," is a technical report of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and United States Fire Administration. "On April 24, 1997, the District of Columbia Fire/EMS Department (DCFEMS) responded to the Washington, D.C. offices of B'nai B'rith, an international Jewish organization, for a suspicious package.
The package had been mailed to B'nai B'rith and contained a Petri dish labeled with wording which led local emergency responders to suspect the package might contain Anthrax and Yersinia, both disease-causing bacteria that have been used as biological weapons.Several occupants of the building complained of dizziness and headaches, additional factors that indicated the possible presence of a chemical agent as well. The DCFEMS established a perimeter around the site where the package was located, attempted to protect occupants of the B'nai B'rith building by isolating them in place, established a command post, and set up hazardous material decontamination procedures. After consultation with numerous national agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Biosafety Branch, responders engaged in hazmat operations to secure the package and its contents, which were then sent to a federal laboratory in Bethesda, Maryland. During the operation, DCFEMS decontaminated approximately 30 people for exposure, including civilians, police officers, and fire-rescue personnel.
One security guard suffered chest pains during the incident and was transported to a local hospital for a heart attack following decontamination. Though the threat was a hoax, the incident revealed many lessons for the fire service to share in preparation for any future threats."
United States Fire Administration
1997-04
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Fire Risks for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
"Fire safety is a much overlooked problem among people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They do not receive the same media, educational, or industry attention as the hearing population. Many advancements in fire injury and death prevention over the past century have not addressed the fire safety needs of the deaf community. The most significant of those inventions is the audible smoke alarm. Smoke alarms have been credited with saving thousands of lives from fires each year. Conventional alarms, however, work less well for those who cannot hear. Additionally, traditional fire safety messages do not address the unique needs of the deaf community. Fire safety messages more than likely will not reach this population due to the lack of effective distribution channels. By raising the level of fire safety awareness for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and for the surrounding population, we can eliminate many fire risks. Groups representing people with hearing impairments must collaborate with the fire service to educate each other and reduce the risks posed by fires to non-hearing people."
United States Fire Administration
1999-10
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Fire Risks for the Mobility Impaired
"People with mobility impairments are faced with many challenges in life. Personal safety, especially fire safety, is one challenge that many perceive as an obstacle. It does not have to be this way. By being aware of one's own special capabilities and following fire safety practices tailored to certain needs, the mobility-impaired person can lead a fire-safe life. Mainstream fire safety education and fire protection devices are designed primarily with the able-bodied person in mind. Thus a scarcity of fire safety knowledge exists within both the mobility-impaired community and the fire service. Both groups must work to educate each other to decrease fire-related losses and injuries."
United States Fire Administration
1999-10
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Fire Risks for the Blind of Visually Impaired
"Blind or visually impaired people are faced with many challenges, not the least of which is personal safety. Interaction with an environment one cannot see creates potential health and safety hazards. As a result, blind or visually impaired people are at increased risk of injury and death in the event of a fire. Depending on the severity of vision loss, they may be more likely to ignite a fire accidentally through common household activities, while they are less likely to extinguish or escape one. Further, a blind or visually impaired individual is highly vulnerable to sustaining burns by attempting to suppress a small fire. Practicing fire safety is the most effective means for a blind or visually impaired person to improve his or her chances of surviving a fire. For example, by planning and practicing an escape plan, a blind or visually impaired person can escape to safety, in the event of an actual emergency, with little time lost searching and feeling for an exit. The general fire safety tips that are targeted at the seeing population also address the needs of the blind or visually impaired. Unfortunately, blind or visually impaired people often have been overlooked by public fire education campaigns. Innovative mechanisms by which to disseminate these life-saving messages must be sought in order to raise awareness and foster fire safety practices in the blind and visually impaired community."
United States Fire Administration
1999-12
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Implementation Guidelines for Executive Order 13728 Wildland-Urban Interface Federal Risk Management
From the Scope of Executive Order: "The Wildland-Urban Interface [WUI] Federal Risk Mitigation EO [Executive Order] provides the basis for policy to strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation against wildfire, and to promote public safety, economic strength, and national security. In addition to the increased risk of wildfire due to the changing climate, the wildland-urban interface is growing as the number of houses and communities built in the WUI has steadily increased. The term WUI refers to the line, area, or zone where structures or development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. Even without direct contact from a fire, wind-blown embers from wildfires can travel over a mile and ignite building components and debris on and around a structure. As directed by the EO, these implementation guidelines shall be developed by January 18, 2017 (within 240 days of the date of this order). The implementation guidelines support the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG) goals of providing assistance to the agencies in interpreting the code requirements as outlined in the executive order."
United States Fire Administration
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Personnel Accountability System Technology Assessment
"In recent years the fire service has focused considerable and increasing attention on the issue of personnel accountability. Although many fire and rescue agencies are now acknowledging the necessity of having a way to track and account for their personnel, it is difficult and confusing for some to choose the system and equipment best for them because of the variety of options available. Essentially, personnel accountability is an effort to improve the safety of emergency responders by keeping track of their locations and assignments when operating at the scene of an incident. Accountability can be maintained in many different ways. However, irrespective of the type of personnel accountability system (PAS) implemented, the goals are generally similar. A properly implemented PAS will help to ensure that the incident command staff knows the exact number and identity of personnel working at an incident, their approximate locations, and whether they are in distress." This 85 page manual is designed to focus attention on the issue of personnel accountability. Personnel accountability is an effort to improve the safety of emergency responders by keeping track of their locations and assignments when operating at the scene of an incident.
United States Fire Administration
