Home Fires Resulting from Misusing or Mishandling Products or Equipment Marty Ahrens Fire Analysis and Research Division National Fire Protection Associationl Batterymarch Park O. Box 9101 Quincy, MA 02269-9101 October 1998 Copyright(9 1998, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269
Table of Contents Introduction Unattended Lack of maintenance Abandoned material Combustible too close to heat Falling asleep Accidentally turned on or not turned off Inadequate control of open fire Overloaded Cutting or welding too close Fuel spilled or released accidentally Spontaneous heating Improper storage Improper startup or shutdown procedure Thawing Collision, overturn or knockdown Washing parts, cleaning, painting or refinishing Unconscious, mental or physical impairment, or drug or alcohol stupor Improper container Improper fueling technique Flammable liquid used to kindle fire Conclusions Appendix
Home Fires Resulting from Misusing or Mishandling Products or Equipment This report examines certain specific ignition factors to identify how people use, or more precisely, misuse, the equipment and products in their home in ways that cause fires. The ignition factors chosen might imply an individual was not using a product as safely as possible. Fires start because of heat sources, fuel packages and behaviors or other circumstances that bring heat and fuel together. According to NFPA 901, Uniform Coding for Fire Protection, 1976 edition, the data classification used by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS),* the ignition factor is what allowed the heat of ignition and the material first ignited to combine. By looking at this factor, it may be possible to examine home fire safety in a more holistic manner. This may help predict how new products could be (mis)used. Most of our messages are specific to certain situations. By focusing on common types of product misuse, it may be possible to develop more general messages to cover new situations. This point was brought home to me several years ago during Fire Prevention Week when, as an employee of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal s Office, I was working a booth at a state office building. One woman approached, and we began talking about halogen lamps, a product that was then receiving considerable media attention. I agreed that these lamps were hotter than normal and could consequently start a fire more quickly if combustible materials were nearby. She was surprised to hear that even an ordinary light bulb was hot enough to start a fire. She was also surprised when I remarked that a fire could start without coming near a flame. Are you telling me I shouldn t let my curling iron warm up on the bed? This woman was interested enough in fire safety to stop by a booth and to follow fire-related news, and intelligent enough to make the connection between different types of hot items. When I generalized from a problem she was interested in - halogen lamps- to a hazardous practice that could take many forms, she understood the logic and identified an example in her own behavior, but until then, this aspect of fire safety had not occurred to her. This report will look at certain ignition factors in hopes of identifying patterns of behavior seen when different types of household equipment and products are used. The following ignition factors are included in this report: Unattended (code 73); Lack of maintenance (code 56); Abandoned or discarded material (code 31); Combustible too close to heat (code 46); Falling asleep (code 33) Accidentally turned on or not turned off (code 72); Inadequate control of open fire (code 34); *A new version of NFIRS with a new data classification system is being released this year. Home Fires from Misuse 1 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Overloaded (code 74); Cutting or welding too close (code 35); Fuel spilled or released accidentally (code 41); Spontaneous heating (code 75); Improper storage (code 47); Improper startup or shutdown procedure (code 76); Thawing (code 32); Collision, overturn or knockdown (code 71); Washing parts, cleaning, painting or refinishing (code 44); Unconscious, mental or physical impairment, or drug or alcohol stupor (code 37); Improper container (code 45); Improper fueling technique (code 42); and Flammable liquid used to kindle fire (43). Together, these ignition factors accounted for almost half (44.4%) of the 437,070 home (one-and two-family dwellings, apartments and manufactured housing) structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments from 1992 through 1996. These fires caused 43.8% of the civilian fire deaths, 48.7% of the civilian fire injuries and 28.7% of the direct property damage. The ignition factors not examined individually in this report fall into three categories. First, there are the under-defined ignition factors that are somewhat unclassified or unknown, such as unclassified misuse of material ignited. Second, there are behaviors that indicate deliberate fire-setting, i.e., incendiary, suspicious, or child playing with fire. Finally, there are ignition factors which do not involve a behavior leading directly and immediately to fire. Most of these involve delayed effects of unsafe behaviors, such as poor design or installation. Inevitably, some judgment was used in drawing this line. Quantifying risk is difficult under the best of circumstances, and sometimes, particularly when we look at behavior, the data needed simply does not exist. We do not know how often the specific causal factors occur. Consequently, we cannot definitively state the risk of a fire starting. We know that in some cases when equipment is unattended or not maintained, a fire occurs. We know that thousands of households suffer these fires each year. But we cannot say that X fires result for every Y incidents of unattended equipment. Based on the number of fires reported, it is possible to identify certain scenarios as high, moderate or low frequency. In this analysis, ignition factors that accounted for at least 5.0% of the reported home fires were considered high frequency factors. Those that accounted for between 1.0% and 5.0% were considered moderate frequency, and factors that caused less than 1.0% of the fires were considered low frequency. Table 1A shows the ignition factors for home structure fires sorted by fire frequency. Ignition factors that are included in this report are italicized. Table 1B shows the ignition factors in category groups. Please note that the two factors for children playing (child Home Fires from Misuse 2 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
playing with heat of ignition (code 36) and child playing with material ignited (code 48)) have been combined and listed under Misuse of Heat of Ignition. This study has some limitations. The current system of NFIRS allows only one ignition factor per incident. In some cases, multiple factors may have contributed. Some of the ignition factors overlap in meaning. The only ignition factor included from the mechanical failure or malfunction category is lack of maintenance. However, it is possible that human action or inaction may have contributed to making the equipment defective. For example, equipment that was not maintained properly may break or develop problems in the wiring. As table 1A indicates, unattended caused 14.4% of the fires; 12.8% were considered incendiary or suspicious (Please refer to U.S. Arson Trends and Patterns - 1996, by John R. Hall, Jr., NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division, Quincy, MA, 1997 for information on this topic); and 9.8% were caused by short circuits or ground faults. A lack of maintenance caused 8.5% of the home fires; 6.3% were caused by abandoned materials; combustibles too close to heat caused 5.6%; and children playing with fire caused 5.0% of the fires. (For additional information on this topic, please consult Children Playing with Fire: U.S. Experience, 1980-1995, by John R. Hall, JR., NFPA, Quincy, MA, 1997.) Table 1A and 1B showed the frequency of different ignition factors in home fires. After identifying the relative frequency, it then makes sense to examine the severity of the consequences when different types of fire occur. This can be done by examining death rates, injury rates, or average direct property loss per fire. In this analysis, those fires that result in more than 20.0 deaths per 1,000 fires would be considered high consequence, between five and 20.0 would be considered moderate consequence, and less than 5.0 would be low consequence. It is important to remember that nearly all of the high frequency/low consequence causes result in more fatalities per year than any of the low frequency/high consequence causes. Table 2 shows civilian deaths and injuries per 1,000 fires and the average dollar loss per fire. Table 2A is sorted by fire frequency and shows only the ignition factors included in this study. Table 2B is sorted by death rate and shows all ignition factors. Ignition factors that are included in the study have been italicized. Lack of maintenance and unattended had the two lowest death rates, but unattended had the highest frequency and the eighth highest death toll of all the ignition factors. Unconscious, mental or physical impairment, or drug or alcohol stupor had a death rate far higher than that seen for other fires. It is possible that this factor is underreported in less serious fires. However, people who do not have the ability to use heat sources safely or to quickly respond to an emergency would logically seem to be at greater risk of having a fire and of being unable to get to safety in a fire situation. Falling asleep had the second highest death rate, followed by flammable liquids used to kindle fire, improper fueling technique, and abandoned material. Home Fires from Misuse 3 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 3 is a matrix showing where the ignition factors fall when severity and frequency are examined together. Only abandoned material was considered high frequency/high consequence. Falling asleep was moderate frequency/high consequence. Three ignition factors were considered low frequency/high consequence: unconscious, mental or physical impairment, or drug or alcohol stupor; improper fueling technique; and flammable liquid used to kindle fire. It is important to remember that the severity picture for very low frequency causes could be changed markedly by one or two serious incidents. Three tables are provided for each ignition factor: Equipment Involved in Ignition; Form of Heat of Ignition; and Form of Material First Ignited. In some cases, no equipment was involved in the ignition. Some fire officials are reluctant to list equipment that functioned properly as equipment involved in ignition, and report no equipment. The equipment involved has been identified according to the data classification used by NFIRS. Most of the codes identify some type of fueled or electrical equipment or appliance. A looser definition of equipment could include supplies need to perform a task. Using this definition, a wastebasket is equipment for storing trash until it is removed from the home. However, these types of items are not captured as equipment in NFIRS. The form of heat of ignition is listed to identify inappropriate use of items not listed in the equipment classification. Matches, lighters, candles, cigarettes and fireworks are captured under the form of heat of ignition, not equipment. This field also helps identify the circumstances in incidents of improper containers or storage. Readers who are interested in specific equipment or forms of material first ignited should consult the following reports from NFPA s Fire Analysis and Research Division: U.S. Home Cooking Fire Patterns and Trends Through 1995, by John R. Hall, Jr., November 1997; U.S. Home Heating Fire Patterns and Trends Through 1995, by John R. Hall, Jr., November 1997; U.S. Home Product Report, 1991-1995 (Forms and Types), by Kimberly D. Rohr, January 1998; and U.S. Home Product Report, 1991-1995 (Appliances and Equipment), by Kimberly D. Rohr, March 1998. Home Fires from Misuse 4 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1A. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Frequency) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) High Frequency Unattended 63,040 (14.4%) 160 (4.3%) 2,977 (14.9%) $241.1 (5.6%) Incendiary or suspicious 56,090 (12.8%) 621 (16.9%) 2,258 (11.3%) $847.0 (19.5%) Short circuit or ground fault 42,930 (9.8%) 285 (7.7%) 1,413 (7.1%) $541.2 (12.5%) Lack of maintenance 37,140 (8.5%) 43 (1.2%) 240 (1.2%) $98.5 (2.3%) Abandoned or discarded material 27,540 (6.3%) 617 (16.7%) 1,998 (10.0%) $256.1 (5.9%) Combustible too close to heat 24,670 (5.6%) 255 (6.9%) 1,403 (7.0%) $226.6 (5.2%) Child playing 21,960 (5.0%) 351 (9.5%) 2,520 (12.6%) $250.7 (5.8%) Moderate Frequency Other electrical failure 18,110 (4.1%) 209 (5.7%) 689 (3.5%) $289.2 (6.7%) Part failure, leak or break 14,860 (3.4%) 72 (1.9%) 463 (2.3%) $116.5 (2.7%) Unclassified operational deficiency 11,390 (2.6%) 19 (0.5%) 217 (1.1%) $32.7 (0.8%) Property too close 11,160 (2.6%) 33 (0.9%) 143 (0.7%) $254.9 (5.9%) Unclassified misuse of heat 10,600 (2.4%) 91 (2.5%) 684 (3.4%) $116.9 (2.7%) Unclassified ignition factor 8,640 (2.0%) 94 (2.6%) 383 (1.9%) $108.1 (2.5%) Falling asleep 7,300 (1.7%) 208 (5.7%) 860 (4.3%) $51.4 (1.2%) Accidentally turned on or not 6,250 (1.4%) 20 (0.5%) 303 (1.5%) $53.4 (1.2%) turned off Rekindled from a previous fire 5,990 (1.4%) 0 (0.0%) 7 (0.0%) $44.7 (1.0%) Lightning 5,710 (1.3%) 8 (0.2%) 50 (0.2%) $104.8 (2.4%) Inadequate control of open fire 5,040 (1.2%) 32 (0.9%) 233 (1.2%) $44.5 (1.0%) Unknown-type mechanical failure 4,980 (1.1%) 49 (1.3%) 184 (0.9%) $65.5 (1.5%) or malfunction Home Fires from Misuse 5 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1A. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Frequency), (Continued) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Low Frequency Overloaded 3,760 (0.9%) 37 (1.0%) 132 (0.7%) $34.1 (0.8%) Installed too close to combustibles 3,650 (0.8%) 43 (1.2%) 104 (0.5%) $49.2 (1.1%) Automatic control failure 3,640 (0.8%) 10 (0.3%) 111 (0.6%) $20.4 (0.5%) Unknown-type misuse of heat 3,550 (0.8%) 69 (1.9%) 225 (1.1%) $32.5 (0.7%) Cutting or welding too close 3,470 (0.8%) 16 (0.4%) 153 (0.8%) $65.9 (1.5%) Unclassified misuse of material 3,300 (0.8%) 34 (0.9%) 254 (1.3%) $25.8 (0.6%) ignited Unclassified mechanical failure or 2,890 (0.7%) 11 (0.3%) 86 (0.4%) $37.0 (0.9%) malfunction Fuel spilled or released accidentally 2,870 (0.7%) 36 (1.0%) 372 (1.9%) $38.5 (0.9%) Construction deficiency 2,670 (0.6%) 7 (0.2%) 38 (0.2%) $35.7 (0.8%) Spontaneous heating 2,400 (0.5%) 13 (0.3%) 80 (0.4%) $25.2 (0.6%) Unknown-type operational deficiency 2,160 (0.5%) 17 (0.5%) 93 (0.5%) $25.0 (0.6%) Improper storage 1,860 (0.4%) 10 (0.3%) 87 (0.4%) $25.0 (0.6%) Other installation deficiency 1,670 (0.4%) 5 (0.1%) 44 (0.2%) $17.2 (0.4%) Improper startup or shutdown 1,600 (0.4%) 7 (0.2%) 92 (0.5%) $9.4 (0.2%) procedures Unknown-type misuse of material 1,410 (0.3%) 20 (0.5%) 126 (0.6%) $17.7 (0.4%) Thawing 1,230 (0.3%) 5 (0.1%) 28 (0.1%) $14.8 (0.3%) Collision, overturn or knock down 1,100 (0.3%) 16 (0.4%) 96 (0.5%) $13.4 (0.3%) Washing parts, cleaning, 1,090 (0.3%) 9 (0.2%) 222 (1.1%) $11.2 (0.3%) refinishing or painting Unconscious, mental or physical 1,090 (0.2%) 98 (2.7%) 192 (1.0%) $8.6 (0.2%) impairment, or drug or alcohol stupor Home Fires from Misuse 6 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1A. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Frequency), (Continued) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Improper container 1,070 (0.2%) 4 (0.1%) 45 (0.2%) $9.9 (0.2%) Unclassified design, construction or 980 (0.2%) 2 (0.1%) 19 (0.1%) $15.1 (0.3%) installation deficiency Backfire 950 (0.2%) 0 (0.0%) 31 (0.2%) $4.9 (0.1%) Animal 840 (0.2%) 1 (0.0%) 15 (0.1%) $6.0 (0.1%) Improper fueling technique 800 (0.2%) 18 (0.5%) 96 (0.5%) $10.1 (0.2%) Design deficiency 760 (0.2%) 3 (0.1%) 14 (0.1%) $8.4 (0.2%) Unknown-type design or construction 680 (0.2%) 7 (0.2%) 12 (0.1%) $11.9 (0.3%) deficiency Manual control failure 600 (0.1%) 1 (0.0%) 16 (0.1%) $3.8 (0.1%) Flammable liquid used to kindle fire 600 (0.1%) 16 (0.4%) 105 (0.5%) $7.4 (0.2%) High wind 380 (0.1%) 0 (0.0%) 10 (0.0%) $8.3 (0.2%) Unclassified natural condition 340 (0.1%) 1 (0.0%) 4 (0.0%) $3.6 (0.1%) Unknown-type natural condition 170 (0.0%) 2 (0.1%) 3 (0.0%) $2.1 (0.0%) High water including floods 80 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0.5 (0.0%) Earthquake 30 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1.3 (0.0%) Total 437,070 (100.0%) 3,682 (100.0%) 19,937 (100.0%) $4,343.5 (100.0%) hundred thousand. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding Additional information on the italicized ignition factors is found later in this study. Home Fires from Misuse 7 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1B. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Category) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Incendiary or suspicious 56,090 (12.8%) 621 (16.9%) 2,258 (11.3%) $847.0 (19.5%) Misuse of Heat of Ignition 80,680 (18.5%) 1,389 (37.7%) 6,701 (33.6%) $832.6 (19.2%) Unknown-type misuse of heat 3,550 (0.8%) 69 (1.9%) 225 (1.1%) $32.5 (0.7%) Abandoned or discarded material 27,540 (6.3%) 617 (16.7%) 1,998 (10.0%) $256.1 (5.9%) Thawing 1,230 (0.3%) 5 (0.1%) 28 (0.1%) $14.8 (0.3%) Falling asleep 7,300 (1.7%) 208 (5.7%) 860 (4.3%) $51.4 (1.2%) Inadequate control of open fire 5,040 (1.2%) 32 (0.9%) 233 (1.2%) $44.5 (1.0%) Cutting or welding too close 3,470 (0.8%) 16 (0.4%) 153 (0.8%) $65.9 (1.5%) Child playing* 21,960 (5.0%) 351 (9.5%) 2,520 (12.6%) $250.7 (5.8%) Unclassified misuse of heat 10,600 (2.4%) 91 (2.5%) 684 (3.4%) $116.9 (2.7%) Misuse of Material Ignited 37,670 (8.6%) 402 (10.9%) 2,710 (13.6%) $372.3 (8.6%) Unknown-type misuse of material 1,410 (0.3%) 20 (0.5%) 126 (0.6%) $17.7 (0.4%) Fuel spilled or released 2,870 (0.7%) 36 (1.0%) 372 (1.9%) $38.5 (0.9%) accidentally Improper fueling technique 800 (0.2%) 18 (0.5%) 96 (0.5%) $10.1 (0.2%) Flammable liquid used to kindle fire 600 (0.1%) 16 (0.4%) 105 (0.5%) $7.4 (0.2%) Washing parts, cleaning, 1,090 (0.3%) 9 (0.2%) 222 (1.1%) $11.2 (0.3%) refinishing or painting Improper container 1,070 (0.2%) 4 (0.1%) 45 (0.2%) $9.9 (0.2%) Combustible too close to heat 24,670 (5.6%) 255 (6.9%) 1,403 (7.0%) $226.6 (5.2%) Improper storage 1,860 (0.4%) 10 (0.3%) 87 (0.4%) $25.0 (0.6%) Unclassified misuse of material 3,300 (0.8%) 34 (0.9%) 254 (1.3%) $25.8 (0.6%) ignited * Child playing with the heat of ignition (code 36) and child playing with the material ignited (code 48) have been combined and are captured here. Home Fires from Misuse 8 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1B. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Category) (Continued) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Mechanical Failure or 126,100 (28.9%) 680 (18.5%) 3,233 (16.2%) $1,176.9 (27.1%) Malfunction Unknown-type mechanical failure 4,980 (1.1%) 49 (1.3%) 184 (0.9%) $65.5 (1.5%) or malfunction Part failure, leak or break 14,860 (3.4%) 72 (1.9%) 463 (2.3%) $116.5 (2.7%) Automatic control failure 3,640 (0.8%) 10 (0.3%) 111 (0.6%) $20.4 (0.5%) Manual control failure 600 (0.1%) 1 (0.0%) 16 (0.1%) $3.8 (0.1%) Short circuit or ground fault 42,930 (9.8%) 285 (7.7%) 1,413 (7.1%) $541.2 (12.5%) Other electrical failure 18,110 (4.1%) 209 (5.7%) 689 (3.5%) $289.2 (6.7%) Lack of maintenance 37,140 (8.5%) 43 (1.2%) 240 (1.2%) $98.5 (2.3%) Backfire 950 (0.2%) 0 (0.0%) 31 (0.2%) $4.9 (0.1%) Unclassified mechanical failure 2,890 (0.7%) 11 (0.3%) 86 (0.4%) $37.0 (0.9%) or malfunction Design, Construction or 21,570 (4.9%) 100 (2.7%) 374 (1.9%) $392.3 (9.0%) Installation Deficiency Unknown-type design or 680 (0.2%) 7 (0.2%) 12 (0.1%) $11.9 (0.3%) construction deficiency Design deficiency 760 (0.2%) 3 (0.1%) 14 (0.1%) $8.4 (0.2%) Construction deficiency 2,670 (0.6%) 7 (0.2%) 38 (0.2%) $35.7 (0.8%) Installed too close to combustibles 3,650 (0.8%) 43 (1.2%) 104 (0.5%) $49.2 (1.1%) Other installation deficiency 1,670 (0.4%) 5 (0.1%) 44 (0.2%) $17.2 (0.4%) Property too close 11,160 (2.6%) 33 (0.9%) 143 (0.7%) $254.9 (5.9%) Unclassified design, construction 980 (0.2%) 2 (0.1%) 19 (0.1%) $15.1 (0.3%) or installation deficiency Home Fires from Misuse 9 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1B. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Category) (Continued) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Operational Deficiency 91,690 (21.0%) 289 (7.8%) 3,990 (20.0%) $434.2 (10.0%) Unknown-type operational 2,160 (0.5%) 17 (0.5%) 93 (0.5%) $25.0 (0.6%) deficiency Collision, overturn or knock down 1,100 (0.3%) 16 (0.4%) 96 (0.5%) $13.4 (0.3%) Accidentally turned on or not 6,250 (1.4%) 20 (0.5%) 303 (1.5%) $53.4 (1.2%) turned off Unattended 63,040 (14.4%) 160 (4.3%) 2,977 (14.9%) $241.1 (5.6%) Overloaded 3,760 (0.9%) 37 (1.0%) 132 (0.7%) $34.1 (0.8%) Spontaneous heating 2,400 (0.5%) 13 (0.3%) 80 (0.4%) $25.2 (0.6%) Improper startup or shutdown 1,600 (0.4%) 7 (0.2%) 92 (0.5%) $9.4 (0.2%) procedures Unclassified operational 11,390 (2.6%) 19 (0.5%) 217 (1.1%) $32.7 (0.8%) deficiency Natural Condition 6,720 (1.5%) 11 (0.3%) 67 (0.3%) $120.7 (2.8%) Unknown-type natural condition 170 (0.0%) 2 (0.1%) 3 (0.0%) $2.1 (0.0%) High wind 380 (0.1%) 0 (0.0%) 10 (0.0%) $8.3 (0.2%) Earthquake 30 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $1.3 (0.0%) High water including floods 80 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $0.5 (0.0%) Lightning 5,710 (1.3%) 8 (0.2%) 50 (0.2%) $104.8 (2.4%) Unclassified natural condition 340 (0.1%) 1 (0.0%) 4 (0.0%) $3.6 (0.1%) Other Ignition Factor 15,470 (3.5%) 95 (2.6%) 405 (2.0%) $158.8 (3.7%) Animal 840 (0.2%) 1 (0.0%) 15 (0.1%) $6.0 (0.1%) Rekindled from a previous fire 5,990 (1.4%) 0 (0.0%) 7 (0.0%) $44.7 (1.0%) Unclassified ignition factor 8,640 (2.0%) 94 (2.6%) 383 (1.9%) $108.1 (2.5%) Home Fires from Misuse 10 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 1B. Home Structure Fires, by Ignition Factor (Sorted by Category) (Continued) Ignition Factor Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Total 437,070 (100.0%) 3,682 (100.0%) 19,937 (100.0%) $4,343.5 (100.0%) hundred thousand. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding Additional information on the italicized ignition factors is found later in this study. Home Fires from Misuse 11 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 2a. Casualty and Loss Rates for Home Fires with Specific Ignition Factors (Sorted by Fire Frequency) Average Deaths per Injuries per Dollar Loss Ignition Factor 1,000 fires 1,000 fires (in Thousands) Unattended items 2.5 47.2 $3.8 Lack of maintenance 1.2 6.5 $2.7 Abandoned or discarded material 22.4 72.6 $9.3 Combustible too close to heat 10.3 56.9 $9.2 Falling asleep 28.5 117.7 $7.0 Accidentally turned on or not turned off 3.2 48.5 $8.6 Inadequate control of open fire 6.4 46.3 $8.8 Overloaded 9.8 35.1 $9.1 Cutting or welding too close 4.6 44.1 $19.0 Fuel spilled or released accidentally 12.5 129.6 $13.4 Spontaneous heating 5.4 33.3 $10.5 Improper storage 5.4 46.8 $13.5 Improper startup or shutdown procedures 4.4 57.6 $5.9 Thawing 4.1 22.8 $12.0 Collision, overturn or knockdown 14.6 87.7 $12.2 Washing parts, painting, cleaning or refinishing 8.2 202.9 $10.2 Unconscious, mental or physical impairment, 89.7 175.8 $7.9 or drug or alcohol stupor Improper container 3.7 41.9 $9.2 Improper fueling technique 22.6 120.8 $12.7 Flammable liquid used to kindle fire 26.8 176.2 $12.5 Included ignition factors 8.4 50.1 $6.4 Total 8.4 45.6 $9.9 Home Fires from Misuse 12 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 2b. Casualty and Loss Rates for Home Fires by Ignition Factors (Sorted by Death Rate) Average Deaths per Injuries per Dollar Loss Ignition Factor 1,000 fires 1,000 fires (in Thousands) High Consequence Unconscious, mental or physical impairment, 89.7 175.8 $7.9 or drug or alcohol stupor Falling asleep 28.5 117.7 $7.0 Flammable liquid used to kindle fire 26.8 176.2 $12.5 Improper fueling technique 22.6 120.8 $12.7 Abandoned or discarded material 22.4 72.6 $9.3 Moderate Consequence Unknown-type misuse of heat 19.4 63.4 $9.2 Child playing 16.0 114.8 $11.4 Collision, overturn or knock down 14.6 87.7 $12.2 Unknown-type misuse of material 14.2 89.7 $12.6 Fuel spilled or released accidentally 12.5 129.6 $13.4 Installed too close to combustibles 11.8 28.5 $13.5 Unknown-type natural condition 11.8 17.6 $12.6 Other electrical failure 11.5 38.0 $16.0 Incendiary or suspicious 11.1 40.3 $15.1 Unclassified ignition factor 10.9 44.4 $12.5 Unknown-type design or construction deficiency 10.3 17.7 $17.6 Combustible too close to heat 10.3 56.9 $9.2 Unclassified misuse of material ignited 10.3 76.9 $7.8 Overloaded 9.8 35.1 $9.1 Unknown-type mechanical failure or malfunction 9.8 36.9 $13.1 Unclassified misuse of heat 8.6 64.6 $11.0 Washing parts, cleaning. refinishing or painting 8.2 202.9 $10.2 Unknown-type operational deficiency 7.9 43.1 $11.6 Short circuit or ground fault 6.6 32.9 $12.6 Inadequate control of open fire 6.4 46.3 $8.8 Spontaneous heating 5.4 33.3 $10.5 Improper storage 5.4 46.8 $13.5 Home Fires from Misuse 13 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 2b. Casualty and Loss Rates for Home Fires by Ignition Factors (Sorted by Death Rate) Average Deaths per Injuries per Dollar Loss Ignition Factor 1,000 fires 1,000 fires (in Thousands) Low Consequence Part failure, leak or break 4.8 31.2 $7.8 Cutting or welding too close 4.6 44.1 $19.0 Improper startup or shutdown procedures 4.4 57.6 $5.9 Thawing 4.1 22.8 $12.0 Design deficiency 3.9 18.4 $11.0 Unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction 3.8 29.8 $12.8 Improper container 3.7 41.9 $9.2 Accidentally turned on or not turned off 3.2 48.5 $8.6 Other installation deficiency 3.0 26.4 $10.3 Property too close 3.0 12.8 $22.8 Unclassified natural condition 2.9 11.6 $10.5 Automatic control failure 2.7 30.5 $5.6 Construction deficiency 2.6 14.2 $13.4 Unattended 2.5 47.2 $3.8 Unclassified design, construction or 2.0 19.3 $15.4 installation deficiency Unclassified operational deficiency 1.7 19.1 $2.9 Manual control failure 1.7 26.7 $6.3 Lightning 1.4 8.8 $18.4 Animal 1.2 17.9 $7.2 Lack of maintenance 1.2 6.5 $2.7 Rekindled from a previous fire 0.0 1.2 $7.5 Backfire 0.0 32.6 $5.1 High wind 0.0 26.2 $21.7 High water including floods 0.0 0.0 $6.4 Earthquake 0.0 0.0 $43.1 Total 8.4 45.6 $9.9 Home Fires from Misuse 14 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table3, Ignition Factors by Frequency and Conseqnence High Frequency High Frequency High Frequency High Consequeuce Moderate Cousequence Low Consequence Abandoned material Incendiary or suspicious Unattended Short circuit or ground fault Lack of maintenance Combustible too close to heat Child playing Moderate Frequency Moderate Frequency Moderate Frequency High Consequence Moderate Consequence Low Consequence Falling asleep Other electrical failure Part failure, leak or break Unclassified misuse ofheat Unclassified operational deficiency Unclassified ignition factor Property too close Inadequate control of open fire Unknown-type mechanical failure or Rekindled ITom a previous fire malfunction Lightning Accidentally turned on or not turned off Low Frequency Low Frequency Low Frequeucy High Consequence Moderate Consequence Low Consequence Unconscious, mental or physical Overlaaded Automatic control failure impairment, drug ar alcahal stupor Installed too close to combustibles Cutting or welding too close Improper fueling technique Unknown-type misuse of heat Unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction Flammable liquid used to kindle fire Unclassified misuse ofmatenal ignited Construction deficiency Fuel spilled or released accidentally Other installation deficiency Spontaneaus heating Impraper startup or shutdown Unknown- type operational deficiency procedures Improper starage Thawing Unknown-type misuse ofmatenal Improper container Callision, averturn or knackdown Unclassified design, construction, or Washing parts, cleaning, painting ar installation deficiency refinishing Backfire Unknown-type design, construction or Animal installation deficiency Design deficiency High wind Manual control failure High water, including floods Earthquake Data source: NFIRS hundred thousand. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors, Unknowns have been allocated proportionally, Additional infonnation on the italicized ignition factors is found later in this study. Home Firesfrom Misllse NFP A Fire Analysis and Research
Home Structure Fires Caused by Unattended Items From 1992 through 1996, unattended items caused an average of 63,040 home structure fires, resulting in 160 civilian fire deaths, 2,977 civilian injuries, and an estimated $241.1 million in direct property damage per year. These fires represent 14.4% of the home structure fires, 4.3% of the civilian deaths, 14.9% of the civilian injuries, and 5.6% of the direct property damage. (See Table 1.) These fires caused casualty and dollar loss rates of: 2.5 civilian deaths per 1,000 fires; 47.2 civilian injuries per 1,000 fires; and $3,800 in direct property damage per fire. (See Table 2.) Table 4 shows that cooking equipment was involved in most of these fires. Stoves were involved in 64.4% of these incidents; no equipment in 16.4%; and ovens or microwave ovens in 6.8% of these fires. Table 5 shows that the form of heat of ignition in these fires was properly operating electrical equipment in half of these fires, and gas-fueled equipment in one-quarter of these incidents. Although candles provided the heat in only 2.0% of the fires caused by unattended items, they caused 9.7% of the deaths, 4.2% of the injuries, and 6.4% of the direct property damage. Table 6 shows that cooking materials were first ignited in four of every five fires caused by unattended items. The form of material first ignited was unclassified in 3.0% of the fires, and cabinetry was first ignited in 2.6% of these incidents. The process of cooking heats and changes food; liquids evaporate; combustible liquids such as cooking oil can ignite. A lit candle burns lower and eventually consumes wax. When heat is used to cause a change, the change will continue while the heat remains, regardless of whether anyone is paying attention. Most fires caused by unattended items occur because the process of change was allowed to continue for too long. It s easy to get distracted. The phone rings, or something in another room grabs your attention. The food on the stove or the candle on the night stand are forgotten. Safety discussions could include questions about home activities that require continuing attention to prevent fire. Home Fires from Misuse 16 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 4. Home Structure Fires Caused by Unattended Items by Equipment Involved in Ignition Equipment Involved Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Stove 40,610 (64.4%) 86 (53.8%) 2,098 (70.5%) $131.8 (54.7%) No equipment involved 10,330 (16.4%) 33 (20.5%) 449 (15.1%) $42.3 (17.6%) Oven or microwave oven 4,310 (6.8%) 2 (1.3%) 148 (5.0%) $10.3 (4.3%) Unknown-type cooking 2,360 (3.7%) 12 (7.7%) 72 (2.4%) $9.4 (3.9%) equipment Portable cooking or warming 1,160 (1.8%) 5 (3.2%) 31 (1.1%) $4.2 (1.8%) unit Unclassified cooking 600 (1.0%) 1 (0.9%) 24 (0.8%) $2.2 (0.9%) equipment Other known 3,660 (5.8%) 20 (12.6%) 155 (5.2%) $40.9 (17.0%) Total 63,040 (100.0%) 160 (100.0%) 2,977 (100.0%) $241.1 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 17 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 5. Home Structure Fires Caused by Unattended Items by Form of Heat of Ignition Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Properly operating 31,840 (50.5%) 47 (29.6%) 1,816 (61.0%) $116.7 (48.4%) electrical equipment Gas-fueled 17,320 (27.5%) 54 (33.9%) 567 (19.1%) $39.4 (16.4%) Heat from unknown-type 1,610 (2.6%) 5 (3.0%) 39 (1.3%) $8.0 (3.3%) hot object Improperly operating 1,420 (2.3%) 4 (2.8%) 70 (2.3%) $6.1 (2.5%) electrical equipment Candle 1,270 (2.0%) 15 (9.7%) 124 (4.2%) $15.4 (6.4%) Solid-fueled equipment 850 (1.4%) 4 (2.8%) 70 (2.3%) $6.1 (2.5%) Heat from unclassified 820 (1.3%) 3 (1.8%) 38 (1.3%) $3.7 (1.5%) hot object Equipment with unclassified 780 (1.2%) 5 (3.1%) 32 (1.1%) $4.5 (1.9%) or unknown-type fuel Heat from direct flame or 740 (1.2%) 3 (1.8%) 17 (0.6%) $1.7 (0.7%) convection current Liquid-fueled equipment 710 (1.1%) 3 (1.8%) 30 (1.0%) $5.2 (2.1%) Heat from electrical arc 710 (1.1%) 2 (1.5%) 34 (1.1%) $3.0 (1.3%) or overload Radiated heat 650 (1.0%) 0 (0.0%) 17 (0.6%) $2.6 (1.1%) Other known 4,320 (6.9%) 13 (8.2%) 161 (5.4%) $26.4 (10.9%) Total 63,040 (100.0%) 160 (100.0%) 2,977 (100.0%) $241.1 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 18 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 6. Home Structure Fires Caused by Unattended Items by Form of Material First Ignited Form of Material Ignited Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Cooking materials 51,020 (80.9%) 88 (55.2%) 2,384 (80.1%) $132.5 (55.0%) Unclassified form of 1,910 (3.0%) 0 (0.0%) 84 (2.8%) $5.9 (2.4%) material Cabinetry 1,650 (2.6%) 15 (9.2%) 95 (3.2%) $13.6 (5.6%) Interior wall covering 1,200 (1.9%) 10 (6.1%) 60 (2.0%) $15.0 (6.2%) Mattress or bedding 640 (1.0%) 3 (2.1%) 41 (1.4%) $5.7 (2.3%) Other known form 6,630 (10.5%) 44 (27.4%) 313 (10.5%) $68.5 (28.4%) Total 63,040 (100.0%) 160 (100.0%) 2,977 (100.0%) $241.1 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 19 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Home Structure Fires Caused by Lack of Maintenance From 1992 through 1996, a lack of maintenance caused an average of 37,140 home structure fires, resulting in 43 civilian fire deaths, 240 civilian injuries, and an estimated $98.5 million in direct property damage per year. These fires represent 8.5% of the home structure fires, 1.2% of the civilian deaths, 1.2% of the civilian injuries, and 2.3% of the direct property damage. (See Table 1.) These fires caused casualty and dollar loss rates of: 1.2 civilian deaths per 1,000 fires; 6.5 civilian injuries per 1,000 fires; and $2,700 in direct property damage per fire. (See Table 2.) Although high frequency, these fires had the lowest death rate, injury rate, and average dollar loss among the ignition factors studied. As noted earlier, however, it is possible that a lack of maintenance contributed to other mechanical failures or malfunctions. Table 7 shows that heating equipment was involved in more than half of these fires. Fixed-area heaters were involved in 23.7% of these incidents; chimneys or gas vent flues were involved in 17.6%; no equipment in 13.6%; dryers were involved in 10.7%; indoor fireplaces in 9.4% and stoves were involved in 6.6% of these fires. Table 8 shows that the form of heat of ignition in these fires was solid-fueled equipment in half of these fires. Gas-fueled equipment provided the heat in 10.4% of these incidents; heat from properly operating electrical equipment was the heat source in 9.4% of the incidents; and hot embers or ashes provided the heat in 6.4% of the fires. Table 9 shows that rubbish, trash or waste products, including creosote, were first ignited in half of the fires caused by a lack of maintenance; cooking materials were first ignited in 8.7%; and dust, fiber or lint was first ignited in 7.8% of the fires. Although structural members or framing were first ignited in only 3.8% of the incidents, these fires caused 23.8% of the dollar loss. Some equipment, such as wood stoves, fireplaces, dryers, and cooking equipment, can produce flammable residue, such as creosote, lint and grease. For these devices, lack of maintenance may mean lack of cleaning, and that appears to be the type of maintenance lack cited in most of these cases. In any device, parts can wear out. People should monitor equipment for residue, and follow equipment directions for routine use and appropriate maintenance schedules for servicing. Safety discussions could ask people to identify household equipment that needs to be cleaned, checked or serviced regularly. Home Fires from Misuse 20 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 7. Home Structure Fires Caused by Lack of Maintenance by Equipment Involved in Ignition Equipment Involved Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Fixed-area heater 8,810 (23.7%) 7 (16.1%) 24 (10.0%) $17.9 (18.2%) Chimney or gas vent flue 6,520 (17.6%) 7 (15.6%) 11 (4.6%) $16.7 (17.0%) No equipment involved 5,040 (13.6%) 2 (4.9%) 25 (10.4%) $10.7 (10.8%) Dryer 3,980 (10.7%) 5 (11.2%) 49 (20.3%) $12.0 (12.2%) Indoor fireplace 3,500 (9.4%) 3 (6.3%) 10 (4.3%) $12.6 (12.8%) Stove 2,460 (6.6%) 1 (3.4%) 35 (14.8%) $2.3 (2.3%) Central heating unit 1,370 (3.7%) 2 (4.9%) 17 (7.0%) $4.0 (4.0%) Chimney connector or vent 1,300 (3.5%) 3 (5.9%) 6 (2.6%) $6.3 (6.4%) connector Oven or microwave oven 1,090 (2.9%) 0 (0.0%) 10 (4.3%) $1.4 (1.5%) Other known 3,070 (8.3%) 14 (31.7%) 52 (21.7%) $14.7 (14.9%) Total 37,130 (100.0%) 43 (100.0%) 240 (100.0%) $98.5 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 21 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 8. Home Structure Fires Caused by Lack of Maintenance by Form of Heat of Ignition Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Solid-fueled equipment 18,110 (48.8%) 21 (48.3%) 41 (17.1%) $45.2 (45.9%) Properly operating 3,500 (9.4%) 2 (5.1%) 59 (24.8%) $5.7 (5.8%) electrical equipment Gas-fueled equipment 3,860 (10.4%) 4 (9.5%) 51 (21.4%) $10.6 (10.7%) Hot ember or ash 2,380 (6.4%) 0 (0.0%) 6 (2.4%) $5.3 (5.4%) Open fire 1,020 (2.7%) 1 (1.7%) 3 (1.1%) $1.7 (1.7%) Liquid-fueled equipment 820 (2.2%) 4 (10.1%) 10 (4.0%) $2.6 (2.6%) Heat from unclassified 800 (2.2%) 0 (0.0%) 1 (0.4%) $1.9 (1.9%) open flame or spark Equipment with unclassified 700 (1.9%) 1 (1.4%) 2 (0.8%) $3.1 (3.2%) or unknown-type fuel Improperly operating 660 (1.8%) 2 (4.6%) 10 (4.2%) $1.9 (1.9%) electrical equipment Match 620 (1.7%) 0 (0.0%) 4 (1.5%) $0.5 (0.5%) Heat from overloaded 560 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 7 (3.0%) $1.6 (1.6%) equipment Short circuit arc from 510 (1.4%) 1 (1.7%) 10 (4.3%) $3.3 (3.4%) defective or worn insulation Other known heat 3,600 (9.7%) 8 (17.6%) 36 (15.1%) $15.1 (15.3%) Total 37,140 (100.0%) 43 (100.0%) 240 (100.0%) $98.5 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 22 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 9. Home Structure Fires Caused by Lack of Maintenance by Form of Material First Ignited Form of Material Ignited Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Rubbish, trash or waste 18,870 (50.8%) 0 (0.0%) 0 (0.0%) $21.6 (21.9%) product Cooking materials 3,210 (8.7%) 8 (18.4%) 68 (28.3%) $3.0 (3.0%) Dust, fiber or lint 2,900 (7.8%) 2 (4.1%) 9 (3.7%) $7.6 (7.7%) Unclassified form of 2,380 (6.4%) 5 (12.3%) 21 (8.7%) $2.6 (2.6%) material Structural member or 1,420 (3.8%) 0 (0.0%) 5 (1.9%) $23.4 (23.8%) framing Fuel 1,250 (3.4%) 0 (0.0%) 11 (4.7%) $1.8 (1.9%) Wearing apparel not worn 970 (2.6%) 8 (17.8%) 25 (10.5%) $3.3 (3.3%) Electrical wire or cable 870 (2.3%) 8 (18.3%) 21 (8.6%) $2.7 (2.8%) insulation Interior wall covering 540 (1.5%) 2 (5.1%) 26 (10.9%) $6.9 (7.0%) Growing or living form 400 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 17 (7.1%) $0.7 (0.7%) Other known form 4,320 (11.6%) 10 (23.9%) 37 (15.6%) $24.9 (25.2%) Total 37,140 (100.0%) 43 (100.0%) 240 (100.0%) $98.5 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 23 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Home Structure Fires Caused by Abandoned Materials From 1992 through 1996, abandoned materials caused an average of 27,540 home structure fires, resulting in 617 civilian fire deaths, 1,998 civilian injuries, and an estimated $256.1 million in direct property damage per year. These fires represent 6.3% of the home structure fires, 16.7% of the civilian deaths, 10.0% of the civilian injuries, and 5.9% of the direct property damage. (See Table 1.) These fires caused casualty and dollar loss rates of: 22.4 civilian deaths per 1,000 fires; 72.6 civilian injuries per 1,000 fires; and $9,300 in direct property damage per fire. (See Table 2.) Fires caused by abandoned materials caused more fire deaths than fires from any other ignition factor. Table 10 shows that no equipment was involved in 83.5% of these fires. Stoves were involved in 8.3% of these incidents. Table 11 shows that cigarettes were the form of heat of ignition in almost two-thirds of these fires. (For more information on fires caused by smoking, please refer to The U.S. Smoking-Material Fire Problem Through 1995, by John R. Hall, Jr., NFPA Fire Analysis and Research Division, Quincy, MA, 1997.) Hot embers or ashes provided the heat in 7.7% of the fires. These embers or ashes could be from tobacco products or fireplaces, wood stoves, barbecues, etc. Properly operating electrical equipment provided the heat in 5.8% of the abandoned material fires. Table 12 shows that mattresses or bedding were first ignited in 18.8% of the abandoned material fires; rubbish, trash or waste products were first ignited in 18.0%; upholstered furniture was first ignited in 16.4%; and cooking materials were first ignited in 9.9% of the fires. Many fire-safety messages focus on the caution required when smoking. This remains an important issue. A cigarette left on upholstered furniture or bedding too often results in tragedy. Home Fires from Misuse 24 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 10. Home Structure Fires Caused by Abandoned Materials by Equipment Involved in Ignition Equipment Involved Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) No equipment involved 22,980 (83.5%) 590 (95.6%) 1,778 (89.0%) $231.4 (90.4%) Stove 2,280 (8.3%) 2 (0.4%) 117 (5.9%) $6.7 (2.6%) Unclassified equipment 450 (1.6%) 11 (1.8%) 36 (1.8%) $4.5 (1.8%) Oven 380 (1.4%) 0 (0.0%) 12 (0.6%) $1.1 (0.4%) Other known equipment 1,450 (5.3%) 14 (2.2%) 55 (2.7%) $12.3 (4.8%) Total 27,540 (100.0%) 617 (100.0%) 1,998 (100.0%) $256.1 (100.0%) Table 11. Home Structure Fires Caused by Abandoned Materials by Form of Heat of Ignition Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Cigarette 17,370 (63.1%) 496 (80.3%) 1,466 (73.4%) $169.6 (66.2%) Hot ember or ash 2,110 (7.7%) 14 (2.3%) 72 (3.6%) $24.7 (9.6%) Properly operating 1,590 (5.8%) 3 (0.5%) 82 (4.1%) $7.2 (2.8%) electrical equipment Gas-fueled equipment 1,040 (3.8%) 2 (0.3%) 37 (1.9%) $3.0 (1.2%) Unknown-type smoking 930 (3.4%) 52 (8.5%) 86 (4.3%) $13.7 (5.4%) material Match 770 (2.8%) 8 (1.4%) 54 (2.7%) $4.7 (1.8%) Candle 530 (1.9%) 3 (0.4%) 49 (2.4%) $6.4 (2.5%) Unclassified smoking 300 (1.1%) 8 (1.3%) 23 (1.1%) $3.4 (1.3%) material Other known form of heat 2,910 (10.6%) 31 (5.0%) 129 (6.4%) $23.5 (9.2%) Total 27,540 (100.0%) 617 (100.0%) 1,998 (100.0%) $256.1 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 25 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 12. Home Structure Fires Caused by Abandoned Materials by Form of Heat of Ignition Form of Material Ignited Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Mattress or bedding 5,170 (18.8%) 161 (26.0%) 540 (27.0%) $53.3 (20.8%) Rubbish, trash or waste 4,950 (18.0%) 29 (4.7%) 196 (9.8%) $35.0 (13.7%) product Upholstered furniture 4,510 (16.4%) 290 (46.9%) 636 (31.8%) $66.8 (26.1%) Cooking materials 2,720 (9.9%) 3 (0.4%) 131 (6.6%) $7.7 (3.0%) Wearing apparel not worn 900 (3.3%) 11 (1.9%) 71 (3.5%) $6.3 (2.4%) Structural member or 830 (3.0%) 9 (1.4%) 31 (1.6%) $8.1 (3.1%) framing Exterior sidewall 810 (3.0%) 1 (0.1%) 4 (0.2%) $6.9 (2.7%) Floor covering or surface 750 (2.7%) 3 (0.5%) 35 (1.8%) $5.0 (1.9%) Unclassified form of material 720 (2.6%) 8 (1.3%) 31 (1.6%) $5.2 (2.0%) Magazine, newspaper or 710 (2.6%) 11 (1.7%) 33 (1.7%) $5.9 (2.3%) writing paper Multiple forms of material 550 (2.0%) 24 (3.9%) 54 (2.7%) $7.8 (3.0%) Exterior trim 530 (1.9%) 0 (0.0%) 2 (0.1%) $3.2 (1.2%) Box, carton or bag 510 (1.9%) 8 (1.3%) 27 (1.4%) $6.3 (2.4%) Interior wall covering 500 (1.8%) 7 (1.2%) 15 (0.7%) $7.8 (3.0%) Cabinetry 410 (1.5%) 3 (0.4%) 33 (1.7%) $4.1 (1.6%) Other known material 2,940 (10.7%) 50 (8.1%) 156 (7.8%) $26.9 (10.5%) Total 27,540 (100.0%) 617 (100.0%) 1,998 (100.0%) $256.1 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 26 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Home Structure Fires Caused by Combustibles Too Close to Heat From 1992 through 1996, combustible materials that were too close to heat sources caused an average of 24,670 home structure fires, resulting in 255 civilian fire deaths, 1,403 civilian injuries, and an estimated $222.6 million in direct property damage per year. These fires represent 5.6% of the home structure fires, 6.9% of the civilian deaths, 7.0% of the civilian injuries, and 5.2% of the direct property damage. (See Table 1.) These fires caused casualty and dollar loss rates of: 10.3 civilian deaths per 1,000 fires; 56.9 civilian injuries per 1,000 fires; and $9,200 in direct property damage per fire. (See Table 2.) Table 13 shows that a wide variety of equipment was involved in these fires. No equipment was identified as being involved in 19.2% of the fires; stoves were involved 18.5%; fixed-area heaters in 10.1%; water heaters in 8.3%; portable heaters in 6.2%; ovens or microwave ovens in 5.3%; and lamps or light bulbs were involved in 4.6% of the ignitions. Although portable heaters were involved in only 6.2% of the fires, they caused 31.5% of the civilian deaths, 12.7% of the civilian injuries; and 12.4% of the direct property damage. Table 14 shows that gas-fueled equipment and properly operating electrical equipment each provided the heat of ignition in about one-quarter of these fires. Electric lamps provided the heat in 7.2% of the incidents; solid-fueled equipment in 6.6%; and candles were the form of heat of ignition in 5.0% of the home structure fires. Table 15 shows that cooking materials were first ignited in 12.8% of the home structure fires caused by combustible materials that were too close to heat sources, and wearing apparel not being worn was first ignited in 10.3% of the fires. Three materials were first ignited in a disproportionate share of the fire deaths. Mattresses and bedding were first ignited in 6.3% of the fires, but caused 15.7% of the civilian deaths; upholstered furniture was first ignited in 2.8% of the incidents, but caused 12.2% of the deaths; and wearing apparel or clothing being worn was first ignited in only 0.7% of these fires, yet these fires accounted for 16.2% of the deaths. We often advise Space heaters need space. We can continue the discussion by inviting people to consider other heat sources, including those with heat as a by-product (lamps, curling irons, etc.), that also need space. At the same time, people can also be asked to identify what types of things might sometimes be too close to these heat sources. Home Fires from Misuse 27 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 13. Home Structure Fires Caused by Combustible Materials Too Close to Heat Source by Equipment Involved in Ignition Equipment Involved Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) No equipment involved 4,740 (19.2%) 41 (16.1%) 291 (20.8%) $44.4 (19.6%) Stove 4,560 (18.5%) 36 (14.2%) 291 (20.7%) $18.9 (8.3%) Fixed-area heater 2,490 (10.1%) 36 (14.1%) 142 (10.1%) $31.4 (13.8%) Water heater 2,050 (8.3%) 9 (3.6%) 113 (8.1%) $18.3 (8.1%) Portable heater 1,520 (6.2%) 80 (31.5%) 178 (12.7%) $28.1 (12.4%) Oven or microwave oven 1,300 (5.3%) 4 (1.5%) 39 (2.8%) $2.2 (1.0%) Lamp or light bulb 1,140 (4.6%) 7 (2.7%) 60 (4.3%) $11.2 (4.9%) Dryer 1,100 (4.4%) 0 (0.0%) 32 (2.3%) $3.7 (1.6%) Central heating unit 850 (3.4%) 9 (3.7%) 43 (3.0%) $10.4 (4.6%) Light fixture, lamp holder 780 (3.2%) 4 (1.6%) 21 (1.5%) $5.3 (23%) or sign Indoor fireplace 480 (2.0%) 2 (0.8%) 25 (1.8%) $9.1 (4.0%) Chimney or gas vent flue 450 (1.8%) 2 (0.7%) 6 (0.4%) $5.0 (2.2%) Portable cooking or warming 340 (1.4%) 8 (3.1%) 16 (1.1%) $2.1 (0.9%) unit Portable appliance designed 280 (1.1%) 2 (1.0%) 18 (1.3%) $3.6 (1.6%) to produce heat Open-fired grill 240 (1.0%) 0 (0.0%) 7 (0.5%) $3.8 (1.7%) Torch 240 (1.0%) 1 (0.2%) 8 (0.6%) $3.2 (1.4%) Other known 2,090 (8.5%) 13 (5.2%) 110 (7.8%) $26.1 (11.5%) Total 24,670 (100.0%) 255 (100.0%) 1,403 (100.0%) $226.6 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 28 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 14. Home Structure Fires Caused by Combustible Materials Too Close to Heat Source by Form of Heat of Ignition Form of Heat of Ignition Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Gas-fueled equipment 6,700 (27.2%) 74 (29.0%) 400 (28.5%) $52.5 (23.1%) Properly operating 6,300 (25.5%) 76 (29.9%) 382 (27.3%) $50.8 (22.4%) electrical equipment Electric lamp 1,780 (7.2%) 8 (3.3%) 75 (5.3%) $16.4 (7.3%) Solid-fueled equipment 1,620 (6.6%) 10 (3.7%) 46 (3.3%) $21.7 (9.6%) Candle 1,240 (5.0%) 17 (6.6%) 139 (9.9%) $16.0 (7.1%) Radiated heat 950 (3.8%) 5 (2.1%) 29 (2.1%) $8.0 (3.5%) Liquid-fueled equipment 710 (2.9%) 11 (4.1%) 62 (4.4%) $9.7 (4.3%) Heat from unclassified hot 590 (2.4%) 2 (0.8%) 25 (1.8%) $4.8 (2.1%) object Equipment with unclassified 430 (1.8%) 3 (1.2%) 22 (1.5%) $5.0 (2.2%) or unknown-type fuel Open fire 400 (1.6%) 3 (1.2%) 15 (1.1%) $3.6 (1.6%) Heat from unknown-type 380 (1.5%) 5 (2.1%) 22 (1.5%) $4.0 (1.8%) hot object Hot ember or ash 330 (1.3%) 2 (0.8%) 14 (1.0%) $4.4 (2.0%) Improperly operating 330 (1.3%) 6 (2.5%) 10 (0.7%) $2.4 (1.1%) electrical equipment Heat from unclassified open 300 (1.2%) 4 (1.7%) 16 (1.2%) $3.0 (1.3%) flame or spark Heat from direct flame or 300 (1.2%) 3 (1.2%) 12 (0.9%) $2.4 (1.1%) convection current Heat from unknown-type 280 (1.1%) 1 (0.4%) 14 (1.0%) $1.9 (0.8%) electrical arc or overload Other known heat 2,040 (8.3%) 23 (9.1%) 119 (8.5%) $19.8 (8.7%) Total 24,670 (100.0%) 255 (100.0%) 1,403 (100.0%) $226.6 (100.0%) Home Fires from Misuse 29 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research
Table 15. Home Structure Fires Caused by Combustible Materials Too Close to Heat Source by Form of Material First Ignited, Form of Material Ignited Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions) Cooking materials 3,150 (12.8%) 6 (2.2%) 150 (10.7%) $7.5 (3.3%) Wearing apparel not worn 2,540 (10.3%) 24 (9.6%) 155 (11.0%) $26.3 (11.6%) Unclassified form of 1,650 (6.7%) 2 (0.9%) 73 (5.2%) $8.4 (3.7%) material Mattress or bedding 1,550 (6.3%) 40 (15.7%) 158 (11.3%) $18.6 (8.2%) Structural member or 1,440 (5.9%) 12 (4.8%) 34 (2.4%) $22.7 (10.0%) framing Box, carton or bag 1,010 (4.1%) 9 (3.5%) 55 (3.9%) $12.6 (5.5%) Linen other than bedding 980 (4.0%) 2 (0.9%) 41 (2.9%) $4.0 (1.7%) Interior wall covering 980 (4.0%) 11 (4.4%) 35 (2.5%) $11.4 (5.0%) Rubbish, trash or waste 890 (3.6%) 2 (0.9%) 27 (1.9%) $4.6 (2.0%) product Magazine, newspaper or 730 (2.9%) 9 (3.5%) 43 (3.1%) $9.4 (4.1%) writing paper Upholstered furniture 680 (2.8%) 31 (12.2%) 76 (5.4%) $13.1 (5.8%) Curtain, blind or drape 650 (2.7%) 7 (2.6%) 73 (5.2%) $6.9 (3.1%) Floor covering or surface 640 (2.6%) 7 (2.6%) 22 (1.6%) $5.7 (2.5%) Exterior sidewall covering or 600 (2.4%) 0 (0.0%) 7 (0.5%) $6.6 (2.9%) finish Multiple forms of material 580 (2.4%) 11 (4.4%) 45 (3.2%) $11.3 (5.0%) Cabinetry 540 (2.2%) 6 (2.2%) 34 (2.4%) $5.8 (2.5%) Dust, fiber or lint 470 (1.9%) 0 (0.0%) 8 (0.6%) $1.1 (0.5%) Fuel 460 (1.8%) 4 (1.7%) 52 (3.7%) $6.1 (2.7%) insulation Thermal or acoustical 340 (1.4%) 1 (0.4%) 6 (0.5%) $2.3 (1.0%) Cleaning supplies 320 (1.3%) 0 (0.0%) 14 (1.0%) $1.1 (0.5%) Gas or liquid in or from pipe 300 (1.2%) 3 (1.3%) 41 (2.9%) $3.0 (1.3%) or container Appliance housing or casing 280 (1.1%) 0 (0.0%) 14 (1.0%) $1.2 (0.5%) Unknown-type soft goods 240 (1.0%) 7 (2.6%) 12 (0.8%) $5.1 (2.3%) or apparel Other known form 3,660 (14.8%) 60 (23.6%) 227 (16.2%) $31.9 (14.1%) Total 24,670 (100.0%) 255 (100.0%) 1,403 (100.0%) $226.6 (100.0%) Wearing apparel worn 160 (0.7%) 42 (16.6%) 56 (4.0%) $0.9 (0.4%) hundred thousand. Percentages are calculated on the actual estimates, so two figures with the same rounded-off estimates may have different percentages. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding Home Fires from Misuse 30 NFPA Fire Analysis and Research