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July 2021 | Volume 21, Issue 6

# One- and Two-Family Residential Building Fires (2017‑2019)

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The residential building portion of the fire problem is of great national importance, as it accounts for the vast majority of civilian casualties. This report describes the characteristics of 1- and 2-family residential building fires reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System for 2017‑2019.
 Download the full 16-page report

## At a Glance

Each year, from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of230,5001- and 2-family residential building fireswere reported to fire departments in the United States.

These fires caused an estimated annual average of:

injuries

in property loss

Deaths in 1- and 2-family residential building fires accounted for far more deaths in most years than all natural disasters combined.

## 63%

1- and 2-family residential building fires accounted for 63% of all residential building fires.

Cooking, at 37%, was the leading cause of 1- and 2-family residential building fires.

1- and 2-family residential building fires occurred more often in the cooler months, peaking in January at 11%.

In 54% of nonconfined 1- and 2-family residential building fires, the fire extended beyond the room of fire origin.

Smoke alarms were not present in 23% of nonconfined fires in occupied 1- and 2-family residential buildings.

Topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information.
          -  At a Glance infographic

Page last reviewed: Oct. 21, 2021

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