Fire Facts
December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month.
Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the number of reported fires in the dormitory occupancy group increased 3% from 3,200 in 1980 to 3,300 in 2005. In comparison, structure fires of all types declined 52% from 1980 to 2005.
Safety Tips
NFPA Facts & Figures
- In 2002-2005, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,300 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks. These fires caused an annual average of 7 civilian deaths, 46 civilian fire injuries, and $25 million in direct property damage. Note: Dormitories include school, college and university dormitories; fraternity and sorority houses; monasteries; bunk houses; barracks; and nurses’ quarters.
- Between 2002-2005, cooking equipment was involved in 72% of the reported dormitory fires; this includes confined or contained fires. Heating equipment was listed as the equipment involved in 2% of theses fires; an additional 2% were confined heating equipment fires.
- Structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks are more common during the evening hours between 5-11 p.m., as well as on weekends.