QUINCY, Mass. — Interrupting a decades-long decline, total fire deaths rose to 4,045 last year, an increase of 13.3% from the previous year, according to a report released from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In all, 3,420 fire deaths occurred in the home, an increase of 18.1%, according to the report, titled “Fire Loss in the U.S.” During 2000, the home accounted for 85% of all fire fatalities.
Nationwide, there was a fire death every 130 minutes. By contrast, when comparable data collection began in 1977, there was a fire death every 71 minutes. Overall, fire deaths have been on the decline for 25 years, thanks to advances including fire detection and alarm equipment, sprinkler systems, safer products, increased public awareness and knowledge of fire-safe behavior.
“If America is to return to the long-term trend of declining fire losses, we need action at local, state and regional levels,” said Meri-K Appy, NFPA's vice president for public education. “Through our model codes and standards, model safety curricula for schools and sponsorship of Fire Prevention Week, NFPA has shown — and will continue to show — where we have the greatest need for action and the greatest opportunities for improving safety with small changes in our behavior and design practices.”
Meanwhile, fire injuries rose to 22,350, an increase of 2.2% from the previous year, but still the second lowest reported fire injury toll of the past quarter-century.