Burn Statistics

One of every 13 fire deaths in the U.S. was started by a child. Children playing with matches and lighters account for more than one-third of preschool child deaths by fire. Statistics show that at least 50% of all burn accidents can be prevented.

More than 70% of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires. Actual flames and burns only account for about 30% of fire-related deaths and injuries.

Smoke alarm and sprinkler system statistics

The majority of homes in the United States have at least one smoke alarm. Problem, however, is only three-quarters of those are working smoke alarms.
Automatic sprinkler systems reduce the chance of dying in a residential fire by approximately 73%.
Smoke alarms and sprinkler systems combined can reduce fire-related deaths by 82% and injuries by 46 percent.

Causes of Fires

The leading cause of home fires and related injuries is due to home cooking equipment.
Most fire related deaths are started by smoking materials such as cigarettes.
The most common causes of thermal burn injuries among children (ages 14 and under) are hair curlers, curling irons, room heaters, ovens and ranges, irons, gasoline, and fireworks.
Most scald burns to children are caused by hot foods or liquids spilled in the kitchen, or other areas where food is prepared and served.

Where Fires Occur

Over half of children ages 5 and under who die from home fires are asleep at the time of the fire. Another one-third of these children are just too young to react appropriately.
Deadly residential fires most often start in a living or sleeping area.
Most residential fires and related deaths occur during cold-weather months, December through February, due to portable heaters.
Most fires started by children begin in a bedroom or living room where a child may be left unattended. The major cause of these fires is children playing with matches or lighters.

Who is at Risk

Children in a home without a working smoke alarm is at a greater risk of fire related death and injury.
Children age 5 and under are 2 times more likely to die in a fire than any other age group.

Our burn injury attorneys are here to help you. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury and believe it was due to the negligence of another, call us now at 1-800-621-2020 or contact us by clicking on Burn Injury Attorney.

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