New NFPA Report shows U.S. Home Fire Deaths hit 14 Year High in 2021

The latest Fire Loss in the U.S. report released by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) shows the largest number of home fire deaths since 2007, reflecting a 14-year high. According to the report, people are more likely to die in a reported home fire today than in 1980. These statistics underscore a concerning trend: While the number of U.S. home fires has continued to decline over time, the home fire death rate has stagnated in recent years, with annual spikes like the most recent one seen in 2021.  According to NFPA data, home — the place people feel safest from fire — is actually where they are at greatest risk, with three-quarters (75 percent) of all U.S. fire deaths occurring in homes. Where people used to have more than 10 minutes to escape a typical home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds, today they may have as little as two minutes.  Multiple factors contribute to this much smaller window of escape time, including the way newer homes tend to be constructed and the fact that modern home furnishings are often made with synthetic materials that burn faster and generate toxic smoke, making it extremely difficult to see and breathe.  As NFPA celebrates the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™ on October 9-15, this year’s theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.™” reinforces the potentially life-saving importance of home escape planning and practice.  To learn more about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.