Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires, Supporting tables

Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires Supporting Tables

February 2021 Marty Ahrens

© February 2021 National Fire Protection Association

Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires: Supporting Tables, 2/2021 1 NFPA Research, Quincy, MA

13%

6%

64%

18%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

No smoke alarm present

Smoke alarm present butdid not operate

Operating smoke alarm

Fire too small to operate

A. Confined fires

Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires: Supporting Tables

The tables in this document are a companion to the report of the same name. Firefighter deaths and injuries are excluded from this analysis. While most of the tables show national estimates of reported fires, some show data from other sources.

National estimates of fires and losses are presented as 2014–2018 annual averages. Estimates were derived from the US Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and NFPA’s annual fire department experience survey and include proportional shares of unknown or missing data. Fires are rounded to the nearest 100, deaths and injuries are rounded to the nearest ten, and property loss is rounded to the nearest million dollars. Property loss was not adjusted for inflation. Percentages were calculated on unrounded estimates.

Confined fires — that is, fires with NFIRS incident type codes 113–118 indicating confined cooking fires, confined chimney or flue fires, confined trash fires, confined fuel burner or boiler fires, confined commercial compactor fires, and confined incinerator fires — were analyzed separately from fires with non-confined structure fire incident types (NFIRS incident type codes 110–123, excluding 113–118) and summed. Estimates include proportional shares of fires with unknown data. For more information on how these estimates were calculated, please see the full report and How NFPA's National Estimates Are Calculated for Home Structure Fires.

Smoke alarms were more likely to be present and more likely to have operated in confined fires than in non-confined fires. Also, a larger percentage of confined fires were too small to operate the smoke alarms. Note that NFIRS, the source of detailed data about fire department responses, does not capture information about whether the detection is monitored. Monitored detection may result in more fire department responses to very small fires.

Figure 1. Confined and Non-Confined Home Structure Fires by Smoke Alarm Performance:

2014–2018

38%

8%

44%

10%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

No smoke alarm present

Smoke alarm present butdid not operate

Operating smoke alarm

Fire too small to operate

B. Non-confined fires

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Cooking-equipment

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Cooking-equipment

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Detection-and-Signaling/Smoke-Alarms-in-US-Home-Fires

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Detection-and-Signaling/Smoke-Alarms-in-US-Home-Fires

https://www.nfpa.org/%7E/media/Files/News%20and%20Research/Fire%20statistics%20and%20reports/NFPA-estimates-and-methodology/NationalEstimatesHomeFires.pdf


List of Tables

Table Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires Page

Home Structure Fires Table 1. By Smoke Alarm Performance 3 Table 2. By Type of Detection 4 Table 3. By Smoke Alarm Power Source 5 Table 4 Considered Large Enough to Activate Alarm by Operating Alarms and Power Source 6 Table 5. By Smoke Alarm Power Source When Smoke Alarms Did Not Operate 7 Table 6. By Power Source and Reason When Smoke Alarm Did Not Operate 8 Table 7. With Hardwired Smoke Alarms by Extent of Flame Damage 12 Table 8. With Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms by Extent of Flame Damage 12 Table 9. By Effectiveness of Operating Smoke Alarms 13

Various Survey Results on Smoke Alarms Table 10. Findings from 2010 Harris Poll® National Quorum 14 Table 11. Occupied Housing Units with Smoke Alarms: 2011 American Housing Survey 15 Table 12. Smoke Alarm Key Findings from CPSC’s 2004–2005 Residential Fire Survey 16

Fires in One- or Two-Family Homes Table 13. By Smoke Alarm Performance 17 Table 14. By Type of Detection 18 Table 15. By Smoke Alarm Power Source 19

Apartment Fires Table 16. By Smoke Alarm Performance 20 Table 17. By Type of Detection 21 Table 18. By Smoke Alarm Power Source 22

Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Death Table 19. By Victim’s Location and Involvement at Time of Fire Incident 23 Table 20. By Extent of Flame Damage 24 Table 21. By Activity at Time of Fatal Injury 24 Table 22. By Human Factor Contributing to Injury 25 Table 23. By Victim’s Age 26

Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Injury Table 24. By Victim’s Activity at Time of Injury 27


Table 1. Home Structure Fires by Smoke Alarm Performance: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Detection Performance Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries

Direct Property Damage

(in Millions)

Total 353,100 (100%) 2,620 (100%) 11,030 (100%) $7,187 (100%) Non-confined fire 180,600 (51%) 2,620 (100%) 9,700 (88%) $7,145 (99%) Confined fire 172,500 (49%) 0 (0%) 1,330 (12%) $42 (1%)

Smoke Alarm Present 262,200 (74%) 1,540 (59%) 7,720 (70%) $5,348 (74%) Non-confined fire 111,500 (32%) 1,540 (59%) 6,550 (59%) $5,311 (74%) Confined fire 150,700 (43%) 0 (0%) 1,180 (11%) $37 (1%)

Fire too small to operate alarm 48,900 (14%) 30 (1%) 470 (4%) $159 (2%) Non-confined fire 17,700 (5%) 30 (1%) 320 (3%) $155 (2%) Confined fire 31,300 (9%) 0 (0%) 150 (1%) $4 (0%)

Smoke alarm present and fire large enough to operate alarm 213,300 (60%) 1,510 (58%) 7,250 (66%) $5,189 (72%)

Non-confined fire 93,800 (27%) 1,510 (58%) 6,230 (57%) $5,156 (72%) Confined fire 119,500 (34%) 0 (0%) 1,020 (9%) $33 (0%)

Smoke alarm operated 189,100 (54%) 1,100 (42%) 5,950 (54%) $4,547 (63%) Non-confined fire 79,400 (22%) 1,100 (42%) 5,040 (46%) $4,517 (63%) Confined fire 109,700 (31%) 0 (0%) 910 (8%) $29 (0%)

Smoke alarm present but did not operate 24,300 (7%) 410 (16%) 1,310 (12%) $642 (9%)

Non-confined fire 14,500 (4%) 410 (16%) 1,190 (11%) $638 (9%) Confined fire 9,800 (3%) 0 (0%) 110 (1%) $4 (0%)

No Smoke Alarm 90,900 (26%) 1,080 (41%) 3,300 (30%) $1,839 (26%) Non-confined fire 69,100 (20%) 1,080 (41%) 3,150 (29%) $1,834 (26%) Confined fire 21,800 (6%) 0 (0%) 150 (1%) $5 (0%)

Operating alarms as share of those present in fires large enough to activate 189,100 (89%) 1,100 (73%) 5,950 (82%) $4,547 (88%)

Fires with no smoke alarms or none that operated 115,200 (33%) 1,490 (57%) 4,610 (42%) $2,481 (35%)

Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Confined and non-confined fires were analyzed separately. Smoke alarm presence or absence was reported in 68 percent of non-confined fires and 7 percent of confined fires. Fires with unknown or missing data were allocated proportionally among fires with missing data.

Source: NFIRS and NFPA’s fire experience survey.


Table 2. Home Structure Fires with Detection Equipment by Type of Detection: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Type of Detection Equipment Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions)

Smoke 232,400 (89%) 1,450 (94%) 7,110 (92%) $4,753 (89%) Non-confined fire 101,800 (39%) 1,450 (94%) 6,050 (78%) $4,723 (88%) Confined fire 130,600 (50%) 0 (0%) 1,060 (14%) $30 (1%) Combination smoke and heat 17,500 (7%) 40 (2%) 270 (3%) $349 (7%) Non-confined fire 5,600 (2%) 40 (2%) 210 (3%) $347 (6%) Confined fire 11,900 (5%) 0 (0%) 50 (1%) $2 (0%) More than one type present 7,200 (3%) 30 (2%) 230 (3%) $166 (3%) Non-confined fire 2,300 (1%) 30 (2%) 200 (3%) $164 (3%) Confined fire 4,900 (2%) 0 (0%) 30 (0%) $1 (0%) Unclassified detection equipment 2,000 (1%) 10 (1%) 30 (0%) $32 (1%) Non-confined fire 600 (0%) 10 (1%) 30 (0%) $31 (1%) Confined fire 1,400 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Sprinkler with waterflow detection 1,900 (1%) 0 (0%) 50 (1%) $27 (1%) Non-confined fire 700 (0%) 0 (0%) 30 (0%) $24 (0%) Confined fire 1,300 (0%) 0 (0%) 20 (0%) $3 (0%) Heat 1,200 (0%) 10 (1%) 30 (0%) $22 (0%) Non-confined fire 500 (0%) 10 (1%) 30 (0%) $21 (0%) Confined fire 700 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)


Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Unknowns have been allocated proportionally.



Table 3. Home Structure Fires in Which Smoke Alarms Were Present by Smoke Alarm Power Source: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Power Source Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions)

Battery only 120,200 (46%) 1,000 (65%) 4,180 (54%) $2,404 (45%) Non-confined fire 62,000 (24%) 1,000 (65%) 3,720 (48%) $2,389 (45%) Confined fire 58,200 (22%) 0 (0%) 470 (6%) $14 (0%) Hardwired with battery backup 94,200 (36%) 320 (21%) 2,290 (30%) $2,108 (39%) Non-confined fire 34,900 (13%) 320 (21%) 1,840 (24%) $2,093 (39%) Confined fire 59,400 (23%) 0 (0%) 450 (6%) $15 (0%) Hardwired only 31,600 (12%) 130 (8%) 780 (10%) $502 (9%) Non-confined fire 8,900 (3%) 130 (8%) 630 (8%) $497 (9%) Confined fire 22,700 (9%) 0 (0%) 150 (2%) $5 (0%) Multiple detection devices and power supplies 8,400 (3%) 60 (4%) 290 (4%) $183 (3%) Non-confined fire 2,800 (1%) 60 (4%) 220 (3%) $182 (3%) Confined fire 5,600 (2%) 0 (0%) 60 (1%) $1 (0%) Plug in with battery backup 4,100 (2%) 20 (1%) 100 (1%) $91 (2%) Non-confined fire 1,700 (1%) 20 (1%) 80 (1%) $91 (2%) Confined fire 2,400 (1%) 0 (0%) 20 (0%) $1 (0%) Unclassified power source 2,500 (1%) 0 (0%) 40 (1%) $44 (1%) Non-confined fire 700 (0%) 0 (0%) 30 (0%) $44 (1%) Confined fire 1,800 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%) Plug in 800 (0%) 0 (0%) 30 (0%) $11 (0%) Non-confined fire 300 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $11 (0%) Confined fire 500 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%) Mechanical 400 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $5 (0%) Non-confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $5 (0%) Confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)


Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Unknowns have been allocated proportionally. Smoke alarm presence, operation, and power source are not required fields in NFIRS 5.0. Smoke alarm presence was reported in 67 percent of non-confined fires but only 4 percent of confined fires. Estimates of these elements in non-confined fires are therefore more reliable than estimates for confined fires and totals but non-confined estimates do not include many minor fires.



Table 4. Home Structure Fires Considered Large Enough to Activate Alarm by Operating Alarms and Power Source: 2014–2018 Annual Averages



(in Millions)

Battery only 78,700 (82%) 620 (63%) 2,920 (74%) $1,954 (84%) Non-confined fire 41,500 (79%) 620 (63%) 2,600 (73%) $1,943 (84%) Confined fire 37,100 (85%) 0 (NA) 320 (82%) $10 (83%) All hardwired 98,600 (94%) 350 (81%) 2,570 (90%) $2,251 (89%) Non-confined fire 33,100 (76%) 350 (79%) 2,070 (84%) $2,235 (86%) Confined fire 65,500 (80%) 0 (NA) 490 (82%) $16 (83%) Hardwired with battery 73,000 (94%) 260 (82%) 1,910 (90%) $1,840 (90%) Non-confined fire 26,500 (92%) 260 (82%) 1,540 (89%) $1,828 (90%) Confined fire 46,500 (96%) 0 (NA) 370 (95%) $13 (94%) Hardwired only 25,600 (92%) 100 (76%) 660 (89%) $411 (84%) Non-confined fire 6,700 (87%) 100 (76%) 540 (89%) $407 (84%) Confined fire 18,900 (94%) 0 (NA) 120 (88%) $4 (82%)

All power sources 189,100 (89%) 1,100 (73%) 5,950 (82%) $4,547 (88%) Non-confined fire 79,400 (37%) 1,100 (73%) 5,040 (69%) $4,517 (87%) Confined fire 109,700 (51%) 0 (0%) 910 (13%) $29 (1%)

Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Unknowns have been allocated proportionally. Smoke alarm presence, operation, and power source are not required fields in NFIRS 5.0. Smoke alarm presence was reported in 67 percent of non-confined fires but only 4 percent of confined fires. Estimates of these elements in non-confined fires are therefore more reliable than estimates for confined fires and totals, but non-confined estimates do not include many minor fires. Operation was calculated based on the number of fires in which smoke alarms were present and operated divided by the number present that operated and failed to operate. Fires that were too small to operate were not included. Minor power sources are not shown separately but are included in the entry for all power sources.



Table 5. Home Structure Fires Considered Large Enough to Activate Alarm By Smoke Alarm Power Source When Smoke Alarms Did Not Operate: 2014–2018 Annual Averages



(in Millions)

Battery only 16,700 (69%) 310 (77%) 970 (75%) $340 (53%) Non-confined fire 10,600 (44%) 310 (77%) 900 (69%) $338 (53%) Confined fire 6,200 (25%) 0 (0%) 70 (5%) $2 (0%) All hardwired 4,400 (18%) 50 (12%) 200 (16%) $203 (32%) Non-confined fire 2,400 (10%) 50 (12%) 190 (14%) $202 (31%) Confined fire 2,000 (8%) 0 (0%) 20 (1%) $1 (0%) Hardwired with battery 2,100 (9%) 30 (7%) 80 (6%) $79 (12%) Non-confined fire 1,000 (4%) 30 (7%) 70 (5%) $78 (12%) Confined fire 1,100 (5%) 0 (0%) 10 (1%) $1 (0%) Hardwired only 1,000 (4%) 20 (5%) 50 (4%) $20 (3%) Non-confined fire 600 (2%) 20 (5%) 40 (3%) $20 (3%) Confined fire 500 (2%) 0 (0%) 10 (1%) $0 (0%)

All power sources 24,300 (100%) 410 (100%) 1,310 (100%) $642 (100%) Non-confined fire 14,500 (60%) 410 (100%) 1,190 (91%) $638 (99%) Confined fire 9,800 (40%) 0 (0%) 110 (9%) $4 (1%)




Table 6. Home Structure Fires Considered Large Enough to Activate Alarm By Power Source and Reason Smoke Alarm Did Not Operate: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

A. All Power Sources Combined

Reason for Failure Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions)

Missing or disconnected battery 10,000 (41%) 270 (66%) 660 (51%) $200 (31%) Non-confined fire 6,400 (26%) 270 (66%) 620 (48%) $198 (31%) Confined fire 3,600 (15%) 0 (0%) 40 (3%) $2 (0%) Dead or discharged battery 6,200 (26%) 50 (13%) 310 (23%) $89 (14%) Non-confined fire 3,700 (15%) 50 (13%) 260 (20%) $88 (14%) Confined fire 2,500 (10%) 0 (0%) 50 (4%) $1 (0%) Unclassified reason for failure 2,600 (11%) 30 (7%) 70 (5%) $90 (14%) Non-confined fire 1,500 (6%) 30 (7%) 70 (5%) $89 (14%) Confined fire 1,100 (4%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Lack of cleaning 1,800 (7%) 10 (3%) 70 (5%) $25 (4%) Non-confined fire 900 (4%) 10 (3%) 70 (5%) $25 (4%) Confined fire 900 (4%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Hardwired power failure, shutoff, or disconnect 1,400 (6%) 30 (7%) 90 (7%) $211 (33%) Non-confined fire 800 (3%) 30 (7%) 80 (6%) $211 (33%) Confined fire 600 (2%) 0 (0%) 10 (1%) $0 (0%) Defective unit 1,400 (6%) 0 (1%) 40 (3%) $11 (2%) Non-confined fire 600 (3%) 0 (1%) 40 (3%) $11 (2%) Confined fire 800 (3%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Improper installation or placement 900 (4%) 10 (4%) 60 (5%) $17 (3%) Non-confined fire 500 (2%) 10 (4%) 50 (4%) $17 (3%) Confined fire 400 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (1%) $0 (0%)

Total 24,300 (100%) 410 (100%) 1,310 (100%) $642 (100%) Non-confined fire 14,500 (60%) 410 (100%) 1,190 (91%) $638 (99%) Confined fire 9,800 (40%) 0 (0%) 110 (9%) $4 (1%)




Table 6. Home Structure Fires Considered Large Enough to Activate Alarm By Power Source and Reason Smoke Alarm Did Not Operate: 2014–2018 Annual Averages (continued)

B. Battery Only



(in Millions)

Missing or disconnected battery 8,100 (48%) 230 (74%) 570 (59%) $186 (55%) Non-confined fire 5,400 (32%) 230 (74%) 540 (56%) $185 (54%) Confined fire 2,700 (16%) 0 (0%) 30 (3%) $1 (0%) Dead or discharged battery 5,500 (33%) 50 (16%) 280 (28%) $89 (26%) Non-confined fire 3,300 (20%) 50 (16%) 240 (25%) $89 (26%) Confined fire 2,100 (13%) 0 (0%) 40 (4%) $1 (0%) Unclassified reason for failure 1,000 (6%) 10 (3%) 30 (3%) $35 (10%) Non-confined fire 700 (4%) 10 (3%) 30 (3%) $34 (10%) Confined fire 400 (2%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Lack of cleaning 900 (5%) 10 (2%) 30 (4%) $14 (4%) Non-confined fire 500 (3%) 10 (2%) 30 (4%) $14 (4%) Confined fire 400 (2%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Defective unit 800 (5%) 0 (0%) 30 (3%) $6 (2%) Non-confined fire 300 (2%) 0 (0%) 30 (3%) $6 (2%) Confined fire 400 (3%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Improper installation or placement 500 (3%) 10 (4%) 30 (3%) $10 (3%) Non-confined fire 300 (2%) 10 (4%) 20 (3%) $10 (3%) Confined fire 200 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)

Total 16,700 (100%) 310 (100%) 970 (100%) $340 (100%) Non-confined fire 10,600 (63%) 310 (100%) 900 (93%) $338 (99%) Confined fire 6,200 (37%) 0 (0%) 70 (7%) $2 (1%)





C. Hardwired Only



(in Millions)

Hardwired power failure, shutoff, or disconnect 800 (37%) 20 (70%) 30 (41%) $63 (80%) Non-confined fire 400 (20%) 20 (70%) 30 (32%) $63 (80%) Confined fire 300 (17%) 0 (0%) 10 (9%) $0 (0%) Unclassified reason for failure 500 (22%) 0 (0%) 10 (16%) $10 (12%) Non-confined fire 200 (9%) 0 (0%) 10 (16%) $9 (12%) Confined fire 300 (13%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Lack of cleaning 400 (19%) 10 (30%) 10 (18%) $3 (4%) Non-confined fire 200 (8%) 10 (30%) 10 (18%) $3 (4%) Confined fire 200 (12%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Defective unit 300 (14%) 0 (0%) 10 (8%) $2 (2%) Non-confined fire 200 (8%) 0 (0%) 10 (8%) $2 (2%) Confined fire 100 (6%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Improper installation or placement 200 (8%) 0 (0%) 10 (17%) $1 (2%) Non-confined fire 100 (3%) 0 (0%) 10 (8%) $1 (2%) Confined fire 100 (5%) 0 (0%) 10 (9%) $0 (0%)






D. Hardwired with Battery Backup



(in Millions)

Missing or disconnected battery 1,200 (28%) 20 (34%) 60 (31%) $18 (9%) Non-confined fire 600 (14%) 20 (34%) 50 (25%) $18 (9%) Confined fire 600 (14%) 0 (0%) 10 (7%) $0 (0%) Unclassified reason for failure 1,000 (23%) 10 (24%) 30 (15%) $31 (15%) Non-confined fire 500 (12%) 10 (24%) 30 (15%) $31 (15%) Confined fire 400 (10%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Hardwired power failure, shutoff, or disconnect 800 (18%) 20 (34%) 60 (29%) $139 (69%) Non-confined fire 500 (11%) 20 (34%) 60 (27%) $139 (69%) Confined fire 300 (8%) 0 (0%) 0 (2%) $0 (0%) Lack of cleaning 500 (12%) 0 (5%) 20 (10%) $5 (2%) Non-confined fire 300 (6%) 0 (5%) 20 (10%) $5 (2%) Confined fire 200 (5%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Defective unit 400 (8%) 0 (0%) 10 (2%) $3 (1%) Non-confined fire 200 (4%) 0 (0%) 10 (2%) $3 (1%) Confined fire 200 (5%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Dead or discharged battery 300 (6%) 0 (0%) 10 (5%) $4 (2%) Non-confined fire 200 (3%) 0 (0%) 10 (5%) $4 (2%) Confined fire 100 (3%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Improper installation or placement 200 (5%) 0 (3%) 10 (7%) $4 (2%) Non-confined fire 100 (3%) 0 (3%) 10 (7%) $3 (2%) Confined fire 100 (2%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)





Table 7. Home Structure Fires with Hardwired Smoke Alarms (Includes Alarms with and without Battery Backup) by Extent of Flame Damage: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Extent of Flame Damage Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions) Confined fire identified by

incident type 82,100 (65%) 0 (0%) 600 (20%) $20 (1%) Confined to object of origin 7,900 (6%) 20 (4%) 240 (8%) $68 (3%) Confined to room of origin 22,300 (18%) 170 (38%) 1,380 (45%) $505 (19%) Confined to floor of origin 4,100 (3%) 70 (15%) 260 (9%) $264 (10%) Confined to building of origin 8,700 (7%) 170 (38%) 520 (17%) $1,465 (56%) Extended beyond building of origin 900 (1%) 20 (5%) 70 (2%) $289 (11%)

Total 125,900 (100%) 450 (100%) 3,070 (100%) $2,610 (100%)

Table 8. Home Structure Fires with Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms by Extent of Flame Damage: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Extent of Flame Damage Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions) Confined fire identified by

incident type 58,200 (48%) 0 (0%) 470 (11%) $14 (1%) Confined to object of origin 9,400 (8%) 30 (3%) 270 (6%) $61 (3%) Confined to room of origin 28,600 (24%) 260 (26%) 1,670 (40%) $432 (18%) Confined to floor of origin 6,900 (6%) 160 (16%) 520 (12%) $309 (13%) Confined to building of

origin 15,300 (13%) 490 (49%) 1,070 (26%) $1,341 (56%) Extended beyond building

of origin 1,700 (1%) 60 (6%) 190 (4%) $246 (10%)

Total 120,200 (100%) 1,000 (100%) 4,180 (100%) $2,404 (100%)




Table 9. Home Structure Fires by Effectiveness of Operating Smoke Alarms: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Effectiveness Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions)

Alerted occupants and occupants responded 154,300 (82%) 730 (67%) 5,100 (86%) $3,291 (72%)

Non-confined fire 62,400 (33%) 730 (67%) 4,350 (73%) $3,266 (72%) Confined fire 92,000 (49%) 0 (0%) 760 (13%) $25 (1%) No occupants 20,700 (11%) 10 (1%) 130 (2%) $905 (20%) Non-confined fire 12,300 (6%) 10 (1%) 120 (2%) $902 (20%) Confined fire 8,500 (4%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $3 (0%) Alerted occupants but occupants failed to respond 10,000 (5%) 240 (22%) 470 (8%) $168 (4%) Non-confined fire 2,700 (1%) 240 (22%) 360 (6%) $167 (4%) Confined fire 7,300 (4%) 0 (0%) 110 (2%) $1 (0%) Failed to alert occupants 4,000 (2%) 120 (11%) 250 (4%) $183 (4%) Non-confined fire 2,000 (1%) 120 (11%) 210 (4%) $183 (4%) Confined fire 2,000 (1%) 0 (0%) 30 (1%) $0 (0%)

Total 189,100 (100%) 1,100 (100%) 5,950 (100%) $4,547 (100%) Non-confined fire 79,400 (42%) 1,100 (100%) 5,040 (85%) $4,517 (99%) Confined fire 109,700 (58%) 0 (0%) 910 (15%) $29 (1%)




Table 10. Findings from 2010 Harris Poll® National Quorum: National Fire Protection Association — Smoke Alarms

Percentage of Homes with Smoke Alarms All Homes

Homes with at least one smoke alarm (100%) (96%) In hallways (80%) (77%) In all bedrooms (43%) (41%) In most bedrooms (14%) (14%) Basement (29%) (28%) Kitchen (52%) (50%) Garage (15%) (14%)

Interconnected smoke alarms (25%) (24%) Test their alarms at least once a year (87%) (83%) Test their alarms at least once a month (21%) (20%) Smoke alarms more than 10 years old (12%) (12%) When householder is at least 55 (17%) (16%)

Source: Harris Poll® National Quorum: National Fire Protection Association — Smoke Alarms. September 2010.

Unknown and refused responses were allocated proportionally among known data.


Table 11. Occupied Housing Units with Smoke Alarms: Findings from 2011 American Housing Survey Based on Self-Reports

SMOKE ALARM POWERED BY:

Characteristic All

Homes Electricity

and Battery Electricity

Only Battery

Only

Batteries Replaced in Last

6 Months*

Total 95% 32% 7% 61% 76%

Owner-occupied 95% 37% 6% 57% 75%

Renter-occupied 94% 24% 8% 69% 77%

Newer home — four years old or less 98% 63% 8% 30% 72% Manufactured home 92% 36% 11% 53% 74% Black householder 94% 24% 6% 69% 77% Hispanic householder 90% 22% 7% 71% 78% Householder at least 65 years old 93% 29% 9% 62% 75% Household below poverty line 91% 23% 7% 70% 78% Northeast 96% 30% 7% 63% 80% Midwest 96% 30% 6% 64% 77% South 93% 35% 7% 58% 75% West 95% 33% 7% 56% 71%

* Based on smoke alarms powered by batteries or electricity and batteries only.

Note: The survey reported this data as “working smoke alarms.” However, it appears the survey did not ask separate questions about smoke alarm presence and operability and did not verify that the smoke alarms were working. For that reason, the AHS results presented here do not mention whether the smoke alarms are working. Sums of valid reported data were used to calculate percentages. Table entries of “not reported” were excluded from the calculations.

Source: US Census Bureau, Current Housing Reports, Series H150/11, American Housing Survey for the United States, 2011. US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401. Table S-01-AO.


Table 12. Smoke Alarm Key Findings from CPSC’s 2004–2005 Residential Fire Survey

A. Smoke Alarm Coverage in Households that Had and Did Not Have FiresBased on weighted responses from 916 fire households and 2,161 non-fire households.

Alarm Coverage Fire Household Non-Fire Household Smoke alarm present 93% 97% On all floors 82% 84% In all bedrooms 22% 31% Interconnected 13% 19% Connected to home security service 8% 14%

Sections B, C, and D are based on weighted responses from 270 households having low severity fires within the past 14 days or high severity fires within the past 21 days. In Section B, indentation indicates a sequence — in 86 percent of the fires, someone was home and at least one alarm was present.

B. Smoke Alarm Performance and Effectiveness

Condition Percent of All Fires Fires with someone home 96%

At least one alarm present 86% Smoke alarm sounded 30% Alerted people 12% Provided only alert 10%

Alarm did not sound 55% Not enough smoke 49%

C. Smoke Alarm Performance and Effectiveness by Extent of Coverage

Alarm Coverage Sounded Alerted Occupants Only Alert On all floors 37% 15% 12% Not on all floors 4% 2% 2% In all bedrooms 36% 16% 13% Not in all bedrooms 28% 10% 9% Interconnected 53% 26% 26% Not interconnected 27% 10% 8%

D. Smoke Alarm Performance and Effectiveness by Cause of Fire

Cause of Fire Sounded Alerted Occupants Only Alert Stove fire 41% 16% 13% Other cooking 30% 16% 11% Cigarette/match 28% 8% 8% Candle 20% 7% 6% Lighting/wiring 6% 5% 5% Heating/cooling 18% 4% 1%

Source: Green, Michael A. and Craig Andres. 2004-2005 National Sample Survey of Unreported Residential Fires. US CPSC, July 2009.

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/UnreportedResidentialFires.pdf


Table 13. One- and Two-Family Home Fires by Smoke Alarm Performance: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Smoke Alarm Status Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions)


Smoke Alarm Present 163,800 (67%) 1,170 (53%) 4,690 (65%) $3,981 (70%) Non-confined fire 85,300 (35%) 1,170 (53%) 4,160 (58%) $3,958 (70%) Confined fire 78,500 (32%) 0 (0%) 530 (7%) $23 (0%)

Fire too small to operate alarm 36,100 (15%) 20 (1%) 320 (5%) $134 (2%) Non-confined fire 13,900 (6%) 20 (1%) 220 (3%) $131 (2%) Confined fire 22,200 (9%) 0 (0%) 100 (1%) $3 (0%) Smoke alarm present and fire large enough to operate alarm 127,700 (53%) 1,150 (52%) 4,370 (61%) $3,847 (68%) Non-confined fire 71,400 (29%) 1,150 (52%) 3,940 (55%) $3,827 (68%) Confined fire 56,300 (23%) 0 (0%) 430 (6%) $19 (0%)

Smoke alarm operated 110,400 (45%) 810 (36%) 3,440 (48%) $3,379 (60%) Non-confined fire 59,800 (25%) 810 (36%) 3,060 (43%) $3,362 (59%) Confined fire 50,600 (21%) 0 (0%) 380 (5%) $17 (0%)

Smoke alarm present but did not operate 17,300 (7%) 340 (16%) 930 (13%) $468 (8%) Non-confined fire 11,600 (5%) 340 (16%) 870 (12%) $465 (8%) Confined fire 5,700 (2%) 0 (0%) 60 (1%) $2 (0%)

No Smoke Alarm 79,200 (33%) 1,050 (47%) 2,470 (35%) $1,672 (30%) Non-confined fire 63,000 (26%) 1,050 (47%) 2,380 (33%) $1,668 (30%) Confined fire 16,200 (7%) 0 (0%) 100 (1%) $4 (0%)

Operating alarms as share of those present in fires considered large enough to activate 110,400 (86%) 810 (70%) 3,440 (79%) $3,379 (88%)

Fires with no smoke alarms or none that operated 96,500 (40%) 1,390 (63%) 3,400 (47%) $2,140 (38%)




Table 14. One- and Two-Family Home Structure Fires with Detection Equipment Present by Type of Detection: 2014–2018 Annual Averages



(in Millions)

Smoke 150,700 (92%) 1,110 (95%) 4,460 (95%) $3,620 (91%) Non-confined fire 79,300 (48%) 1,110 (95%) 3,960 (84%) $3,600 (90%) Confined fire 71,400 (44%) 0 (0%) 500 (11%) $20 (1%) Combination smoke and heat 9,100 (6%) 20 (2%) 140 (3%) $238 (6%) Non-confined fire 4,200 (3%) 20 (2%) 120 (3%) $237 (6%) Confined fire 5,000 (3%) 0 (0%) 20 (0%) $1 (0%) More than one type present 2,000 (1%) 10 (1%) 60 (1%) $79 (2%) Non-confined fire 1,000 (1%) 10 (1%) 50 (1%) $79 (2%) Confined fire 1,000 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%) Unclassified detection

equipment 1,300 (1%) 10 (1%) 20 (0%) $24 (1%) Non-confined fire 500 (0%) 10 (1%) 20 (0%) $24 (1%) Confined fire 800 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Heat 500 (0%) 10 (0%) 10 (0%) $15 (0%) Non-confined fire 300 (0%) 10 (0%) 10 (0%) $15 (0%) Confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Sprinklers with waterflow

detection 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $4 (0%) Non-confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $3 (0%) Confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $1 (0%)


Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Entries of zero may actually be zero or may have rounded to zero.



Table 15. One- and Two-Family Home Structure Fires in which Smoke Alarms Were Present by Smoke Alarm Power Source: 2014–2018 Annual Averages



(in Millions)

Battery only 93,400 (57%) 860 (74%) 3,070 (65%) $1,989 (50%) Non-confined fire 52,600 (32%) 860 (74%) 2,770 (59%) $1,977 (50%) Confined fire 40,800 (25%) 0 (0%) 300 (6%) $12 (0%) Hardwired with battery backup 52,000 (32%) 190 (17%) 1,210 (26%) $1,515 (38%) Non-confined fire 24,500 (15%) 190 (17%) 1,030 (22%) $1,507 (38%) Confined fire 27,500 (17%) 0 (0%) 180 (4%) $8 (0%) Hardwired only 11,000 (7%) 60 (5%) 240 (5%) $260 (7%) Non-confined fire 4,600 (3%) 60 (5%) 210 (4%) $259 (6%) Confined fire 6,400 (4%) 0 (0%) 30 (1%) $2 (0%) Multiple detectors and power supplies 2,700 (2%) 30 (2%) 70 (2%) $98 (2%) Non-confined fire 1,400 (1%) 30 (2%) 70 (1%) $98 (2%) Confined fire 1,300 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%) Plug in with battery backup 2,600 (2%) 10 (1%) 50 (1%) $79 (2%) Non-confined fire 1,300 (1%) 10 (1%) 50 (1%) $78 (2%) Confined fire 1,300 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $1 (0%) Unclassified power source 1,400 (1%) 0 (0%) 20 (0%) $27 (1%) Non-confined fire 500 (0%) 0 (0%) 20 (0%) $27 (1%) Confined fire 900 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Plug in only 500 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $10 (0%) Non-confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $9 (0%) Confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Mechanical 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $3 (0%) Non-confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $3 (0%) Confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)


Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Entries of zero may actually be zero or may round to zero.



Table 16. Apartment Fires by Smoke Alarm Performance: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Smoke Alarm Status Fires Civilian Deaths Civilian Injuries


(in Millions)

Total 110,200 (100%) 400 (100%) 3,860 (100%) $1,534 (100%) Non-confined fire 32,300 (29%) 400 (100%) 3,170 (82%) $1,519 (99%) Confined fire 77,800 (71%) 0 (0%) 700 (18%) $15 (1%)

Smoke Alarm Present 97,400 (88%) 330 (81%) 2,980 (77%) $1,314 (86%) Non-confined fire 25,000 (23%) 330 (81%) 2,340 (61%) $1,300 (85%) Confined fire 72,400 (66%) 0 (0%) 640 (17%) $14 (1%) Fire too small to operate alarm 12,700 (12%) 10 (2%) 150 (4%) $28 (2%) Non-confined fire 3,600 (3%) 10 (2%) 90 (2%) $27 (2%) Confined fire 9,100 (8%) 0 (0%) 60 (2%) $1 (0%)

Smoke alarm present and fire large enough to operate alarm 84,700 (77%) 320 (80%) 2,830 (73%) $1,286 (84%)

Non-confined fire 21,400 (19%) 320 (80%) 2,250 (58%) $1,273 (83%) Confined fire 63,300 (57%) 0 (0%) 580 (15%) $13 (1%)

Smoke alarm operated 77,800 (71%) 250 (63%) 2,440 (63%) $1,121 (73%) Non-confined fire 18,600 (17%) 250 (63%) 1,920 (50%) $1,109 (72%) Confined fire 59,200 (54%) 0 (0%) 520 (14%) $12 (1%)

Smoke alarm present but did not operate 6,900 (6%) 70 (17%) 390 (10%) $165 (11%)

Non-confined fire 2,800 (3%) 70 (17%) 330 (9%) $164 (11%) Confined fire 4,100 (4%) 0 (0%) 60 (1%) $1 (0%) No Smoke Alarm 12,800 (12%) 80 (19%) 880 (23%) $220 (14%) Non-confined fire 7,300 (7%) 80 (19%) 820 (21%) $219 (14%) Confined fire 5,500 (5%) 0 (0%) 60 (1%) $1 (0%)

Operating alarms as share of those present in fires large enough to activate 77,800 (92%) 250 (79%) 2,440 (86%) $1,121 (87%)

Fires with no smoke alarms or none that operated 19,700 (18%) 140 (35%) 1,270 (33%) $385 (25%)




Table 17. Apartment Fires with Detection Equipment Present by Type of Detection: 2014–2018 Annual Averages



(in Millions)

Smoke 81,000 (83%) 300 (91%) 2,630 (88%) $1,108 (84%) Non-confined fire 21,700 (22%) 300 (91%) 2,070 (69%) $1,098 (84%) Confined fire 59,300 (61%) 0 (0%) 560 (19%) $10 (1%) Combination smoke and heat 8,300 (8%) 10 (4%) 120 (4%) $101 (8%) Non-confined fire 1,300 (1%) 10 (4%) 90 (3%) $100 (8%) Confined fire 6,900 (7%) 0 (0%) 30 (1%) $1 (0%) More than one type present 5,100 (5%) 10 (5%) 160 (5%) $73 (6%) Non-confined fire 1,200 (1%) 10 (5%) 130 (4%) $72 (5%) Confined fire 3,900 (4%) 0 (0%) 20 (1%) $1 (0%) Sprinklers with waterflow detection 1,700 (2%) 0 (0%) 40 (1%) $19 (1%) Non-confined fire 500 (0%) 0 (0%) 20 (1%) $17 (1%) Confined fire 1,200 (1%) 0 (0%) 20 (1%) $2 (0%) Unclassified detection equipment 800 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $7 (1%) Non-confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $7 (1%) Confined fire 600 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Heat 700 (1%) 0 (1%) 20 (1%) $6 (0%) Non-confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (1%) 20 (1%) $6 (0%) Confined fire 500 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)


Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Entries of zero may actually be zero or may have rounded to zero.



Table 18. Apartment Structure Fires in Which Smoke Alarms Were Present by Smoke Alarm Power Source: 2014–2018 Annual Averages



(in Millions)

Hardwired with battery backup 41,500 (43%) 100 (31%) 1,030 (34%) $557 (42%) Non-confined fire 9,500 (10%) 100 (31%) 770 (26%) $550 (42%) Confined fire 31,900 (33%) 0 (0%) 260 (9%) $7 (1%) Battery only 27,300 (28%) 140 (44%) 1,180 (40%) $448 (34%) Non-confined fire 9,800 (10%) 140 (44%) 1,000 (34%) $445 (34%) Confined fire 17,600 (18%) 0 (0%) 180 (6%) $3 (0%) Hardwired only 20,000 (21%) 50 (16%) 490 (16%) $204 (16%) Non-confined fire 3,700 (4%) 50 (16%) 380 (13%) $201 (15%) Confined fire 16,300 (17%) 0 (0%) 110 (4%) $3 (0%) Multiple detectors and power supplies 5,500 (6%) 30 (8%) 190 (6%) $72 (5%) Non-confined fire 1,200 (1%) 30 (8%) 140 (5%) $71 (5%) Confined fire 4,200 (4%) 0 (0%) 50 (2%) $1 (0%) Plug in with battery backup 1,500 (2%) 0 (1%) 40 (1%) $15 (1%) Non-confined fire 400 (0%) 0 (1%) 30 (1%) $15 (1%) Confined fire 1,100 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%) Unclassified power source 1,100 (1%) 0 (1%) 20 (1%) $15 (1%) Non-confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (1%) 20 (1%) $15 (1%) Confined fire 900 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%) Plug in only 300 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $2 (0%) Non-confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $1 (0%) Confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%) Mechanical 300 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $2 (0%) Non-confined fire 100 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $2 (0%) Confined fire 200 (0%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $0 (0%)


Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Entries of zero may actually be zero or may round to zero.



Table 19. Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Death by Victim’s Location at Time of Fire Incident and Involvement in Ignition: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Victim’s Location and Involvement Present and

Operated None or

Not Working

In area of origin and involved 410 (37%) 480 (32%) In area of origin and not involved 160 (15%) 260 (18%) Subtotal — In area of origin 570 (52%) 750 (50%)

Not in area of origin and not involved 340 (30%) 430 (29%) Not in area of origin but involved 190 (17%) 300 (20%) Subtotal — Not in area of origin 520 (47%) 730 (49%)

Unclassified 10 (1%) 10 (1%)

Total 1,100 (100%) 1,490 (100%)

Note: Fire deaths resulting from fires too small to activate the smoke alarm are not included in these tables. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors. Entries of zero may actually be zero or may have rounded to zero.



Table 20. Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Death by Extent of Flame Damage: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Extent of Flame Damage Present and

Operated None or

Not Working

Confined to object of origin 30 (3%) 50 (3%) Confined to room of origin 330 (30%) 280 (19%) Confined to floor of origin 170 (16%) 190 (13%) Confined to building of origin 480 (44%) 820 (55%) Extended beyond building of origin 80 (8%) 160 (11%)

Total 1,100 (100%) 1,490 (100%)

Table 21. Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Death by Victim’s Activity at Time of Fatal Injury: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Activity Present and

Operated None or

Not Working

Escaping 380 (35%) 590 (40%) Sleeping 330 (30%) 500 (33%) Unable to act 150 (13%) 170 (11%) Irrational act 70 (7%) 60 (4%) Unclassified activity 60 (5%) 60 (4%) Fire control 50 (5%) 30 (2%) Rescue attempt 40 (4%) 50 (3%) Returning to vicinity of fire before control 20 (2%) 30 (2%) Returning to vicinity of fire after control 0 (0%) 10 (0%)

Total 1,100 (100%) 1,490 (100%)




Table 22. Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Death by Human Factor Contributing to Injury: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Human Factor Present and

Operated None or

Not Working

Asleep 260 (24%) 460 (31%) Physically disabled 240 (21%) 200 (14%) Possibly impaired by alcohol 140 (12%) 150 (10%) Possibly impaired by other drug or chemical 70 (6%) 70 (5%) Possibly mentally disabled 60 (6%) 70 (5%) Unattended or unsupervised person 60 (5%) 70 (4%) Unconscious 50 (4%) 70 (5%) Physically restrained 10 (1%) 0 (0%) None 390 (36%) 590 (39%)

Total 1,100 (100%) 1,490 (100%)

Total factors* 1,270 (115%) 1,690 (113%)

* Multiple factors are allowed, meaning that the totals will exceed the sums.




Table 23. Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Death by Victim’s Age: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Age Group Present and Operated None or Not Working

Under 5 60 (6%) 100 (7%) 5–9 50 (4%) 70 (4%) 10–14 20 (2%) 40 (2%) 15–24 40 (4%) 60 (4%) 25–34 70 (6%) 120 (8%) 35–44 90 (8%) 120 (8%) 45–54 160 (15%) 220 (14%) 55–64 200 (19%) 300 (20%) 65–74 200 (18%) 240 (16%) 75–84 140 (13%) 150 (10%) 85 and over 70 (6%) 80 (6%)

Total 1,100 (100%) 1,490 (100%)

Under 15 120 (11%) 210 (14%) 65 and over 410 (37%) 480 (32%) 75 and over 210 (19%) 240 (16%)




Table 24. Smoke Alarm Presence and Operation in Home Structure Fires Resulting in Non-Fatal Injury by Victim’s Activity at Time of Injury: 2014–2018 Annual Averages

Activity Present and

Operated None or

Not Working

Fire control 2,160 (36%) 1,280 (28%) Escaping 1,690 (28%) 1,350 (29%) Sleeping 530 (9%) 640 (14%) Returning to vicinity of fire before control 420 (7%) 350 (8%) Rescue attempt 390 (7%) 380 (8%) Unclassified activity 340 (6%) 330 (7%) Unable to act 190 (3%) 120 (3%) Irrational act 200 (3%) 140 (3%) Returning to vicinity of fire after control 30 (0%) 10 (0%)

Total 5,950 (100%) 4,610 (100%)

Note: Fire deaths or injuries resulting from fires too small to activate the smoke alarm are not included in these tables. Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.


Acknowledgments

The National Fire Protection Association thanks all the fire departments and state fire authorities who participate in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the annual NFPA fire experience survey. These firefighters are the original sources of the detailed data that makes this analysis possible. Their contributions allow us to estimate the size of the fire problem.

We are also grateful to the US Fire Administration for its work in developing, coordinating, and maintaining NFIRS.

To learn more about research at NFPA visit nfpa.org/research. E-mail: [email protected].

NFPA No. USS04ST

http://www.nfpa.org/research

mailto:[email protected]

Smoke Alarms in US Home Fires, Supporting tables

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