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.