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May 2021 | Volume 21, Issue 2

# 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 all residential building fires reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System for 2017‑2019.
 Download the full 18-page report

## At a Glance

From 2017 to 2019, an estimated368,500residential building fireswere reported to U.S. fire departments each year.

These fires caused an estimated:

deaths

injuries

in property loss

At 51%, cooking was the leading cause of residential building fires. Nearly all (93%) residential building cooking fires were small, confined fires.

Residential building fire incidence was higher in the cooler months, peaking in January at 10%.

Residential building fires occurred most frequently in the early evening, peaking during the dinner hours from 5 to 8 p.m., when cooking fire incidence is high.

Nonconfined residential building fires most of ten started in cooking areas and kitchens (21%).

In 50% of nonconfined residential building fires, the fire extended beyond the room of origin.

The leading reported factor contributing to ignition category in nonconfined residential building fires was misuse of material or product (37%).

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: May 12, 2021

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