National

Nationally, there are millions of fires, thousands of deaths and injuries, and billions of dollar loss - which makes the U.S. fire problem one of great national importance. Between 1999 and 2008, there was an average of 1,634,150 fires resulting in an estimated $11,634,800,000 in direct dollar loss each year. An average of 3,625 Americans lost their lives and another 18,765 were injured annually as the result of fire. These averages do not reflect the events of September 11, 2001.

The following table shows the numbers of fires, deaths, injuries and dollar loss in the United States from 1999 to 2008.

National
Year Fires Deaths Injuries Direct Dollar Loss In Millions
1999 1,823,000 3,570 21,875 $10,024
2000 1,708,000 4,045 22,350 $11,207
2001¹ 1,734,500 3,745 20,300 $10,583
2001² - 2,451 800 $33,440
2002 1,687,500 3,380 18,425 $10,337
2003 1,584,500 3,925 18,125 $12,307
2004 1,550,500 3,900 17,875 $9,794
2005 1,602,000 3,675 17,925 $10,672
2006 1,642,500 3,245 16,400 $11,307
2007 1,557,500 3,430 17,675 $14,639
2008 1,451,500 3,320 16,705 $15,478

¹  Excludes the events of September 11, 2001.

²  These estimates reflect the number of deaths, injuries and dollar loss directly related to the events of September 11, 2001.

Note: The decrease in direct dollar loss in 2004 reflects the Southern California wildfires with an estimated loss of $2,040,000,000 that occurred in 2003. The dollar loss estimate for 2007 includes the California Fire Storm with an estimated property loss of $1,800,000,000. For 2008, the direct dollar loss includes the California Wildfires at an estimated loss of $1,400,000,000.

Where Fires Occurred - 2008

Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. 2008.

Topical Fire Report Series


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