Although we're very saddened that fire deaths increased last year, we need to keep in mind that the vast majority of these fires can be prevented through public fire education. Increase Attributed to Space Heater Use and Motor Vehicle Fires Coan attributed the increase in fire deaths last year to an increase in the use of space heaters which led to several deadly fires, and to an unusually large number of fire deaths in motor vehicle fires. Most Fatal Fires Occur in Homes Seventy percent of fire deaths took place in people's homes. The unsafe use of smoking materials caused 18, or one-quarter, of all fire deaths in 2000. Seventeen occurred in residential occupancies, including one person smoking while on oxygen, and one involved a homeless man who fell asleep smoking outside.
Smoking remains the leading cause of all fire deaths.
Four of the fatal fires from space heaters occurred between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There have been no fatal fires from space heaters since 1997. Motor Vehicle Fire Deaths Increase Thirteen people died in motor vehicle fires including four who died in a small airplane crash and five family members who died when a truck hit a passenger car in North Attleboro. This is an increase from four deaths in motor vehicle fires in 1999. Vehicle Fire Deaths Increase Thirteen people died in motor vehicle fires including four who died in a small airplane crash and five family members who died when a truck hit a passenger car in North Attleboro.