Two of every five deaths involved smoking materials. U.S. Fire Problem Overview Report, NFPA, Fire Analysis and Research Division . In 1999, for the fifth straight year, juvenile firesetters accounted for half or more of those arrested for arson. On a historical note, the first firehouse pole was installed in New York City on April 21, 1878. U.S. Fire Department Profile, NFPA, Fire Analysis and Research Division.
Smoke inhalation accounts for most fire deaths.
The smoke inhalation share has been increasing over the past two decades. Burns, Toxic Gases and Other Hazards, NFPA, Fire Analysis and Research Division . In 1999, United States fire departments responded to 2,039,000 false alarms. NFPA, Fire Analysis and Research Division. Based on 1994-1998 annual averages, cooking equipment fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries.