Current Thoughts
This page is designed to keep you up to date on the current events that affect the public and help us get special messages out to you.
The misuse of fire has many variables including age, motivation for firesetting behavior, type of fires set, ignition materials used to set the fire, and the child's understanding and limitations of fire. Firesetting behavior is often a symptom of the problem and may be manifested through stress and crisis in their lives.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
At age 50 you’ve worked for years to enjoy the freedom and experiences life has to offer. At age 65 you’ve become a mover and shaker—meeting new people, traveling, spending time with the grandchildren and learning new hobbies. Don’t let your years of memories and your life today go up in flames.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of fire in winter. Winter fires can be prevented! The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter season.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires resulted in 21 deaths and 43 injuries. Click on the above picture or here for more information.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Water That Tree!
What's a holiday party or even the traditional Christmas morning scene itself without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household, as those of more than 33 million other American homes, includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person's suggestion—"Keep the tree watered." That's good advice and not just to create a fragrant indoor winter wonderland atmosphere. Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Each year college and university students, on- and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies nationwide. There are several specific causes for fires on college campuses, including cooking, intentionally set fires, and open flame. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration
Residential Building Fires Involving Individuals with Disabilities
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces the release of two special reports highlighting the characteristics of residential building fires involving individuals with mental and physical disabilities. MORE...
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration
In 2009, only 20% of reported fires occurred in one- and two-family homes but these fires caused 70% (2,107) of all civilian fire deaths. Homes also account for the largest share of civilian fire injuries and direct property damage.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration
Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Annually, there are almost 3,800 Americans injured by gas or charcoal grill fires.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration
USFA Releases One- and Two-Family and Multifamily Residential Building Fires Topical Reports
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces the release of two special reports focusing on the causes and characteristics of fires in one- and two-family and multifamily residential buildings. The reports, One- and Two-Family Residential Building Fires and Multifamily Residential Building Fires, were developed by USFA’s National Fire Data Center.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration
The campaign's slogan: “Prepare. Practice. Prevent the Unthinkable.” urges parents and caregivers to prepare by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms; safely storing lighters and matches out of children's reach and sight; and practicing a fire escape plan with small children, which should include helping toddlers understand how to quickly respond in case of fire, and planning how adults can escape with babies.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, residents enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They can be ignited by the careless tossing of a cigarette, an unattended campfire, or from natural causes like lightning. They spread quickly igniting brush, trees, and homes.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the theme for the 2011 Arson Awareness Week: Working Together to Extinguish Serial Arson. USFA and its partners will use the week of May 1-7 to focus public attention on the value of a collaborative effort with law enforcement, fire and emergency service departments, and the community to battle serial arsonists. Read the press release »
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2003-2006, more than 66 percent of home fire deaths occurred in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
USFA Releases Attic Fires in Residential Buildings Report
EMMITSBURG, MD — The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report today examining the characteristics of Attic Fires in Residential Buildings (PDF, 884 Kb). Developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center, the report is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Each year an estimated 2,655 deaths and 13,025 injuries occur as the result of residential building fires. The risk of death or injury from fire is even greater for people with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities. Declining mobility, health, sight, and hearing may limit a person’s ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.
If you have a disability, you can increase your chances of surviving a fire by taking safety precautions such as making and practicing a home fire escape plan relevant to your needs and ensuring that working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Did you know that 50 percent of child fire deaths affect those under the age of 5? Escaping from a fire can be difficult for very young children because they generally lack the motor skills and mental capabilities needed to quickly escape a burning building. The U.S. Fire Administration provides fire prevention information to teach children and their caregivers about the dangers of fire. Protect your kids: install and maintain smoke alarms and residential sprinklers and practice home fire escape plans to ensure your children will be safe if a fire were to start in your home.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Statistical Reports: Civilian Fire Casualties - Children
The National Fire Data Center's Topical Fire Report Series explores facets of the U.S. fire problem that affect Americans in their daily lives. Primarily based on data collected through USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), each issue briefly addresses the nature and relevance of the specific fire or fire-related problem, highlights important findings, and suggests other resources to consider for further information. Each topical report also includes recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
African American History Month: A Celebration of Pioneers in the American Fire Service
In celebration of African American History Month this February, I thought it would be most appropriate to look back and remember African Americans who have lead the way in making American fire service history:
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Smoke alarms are a very important means of preventing home fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and your family can escape. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 385,500 fires occur in residential buildings every year resulting in 2,770 civilian deaths and 13,250 injuries. When a smoke alarm sounds, it is time for you to spring into action.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
Residential fire loss in the United States is alarming. Limiting fire growth where it occurs in dwellings through fire prevention and the use of residential fire sprinklers is one way to combat the problem. As students return to universities and colleges across the country this month, it is important to ensure that those living in off-campus housing are protected by working smoke alarms and residential sprinklers. Fire sprinklers, in combination with smoke alarms, can reduce the risk of dying in a fire by 82 percent!
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.
USFA Releases Smoking-Related Fires in Residential Buildings Report
The report is part of the Topical Fire Report Series and is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). According to the report, an estimated 9,000 smoking-related fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 450 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and $303 million in property loss.
The preceding information is from the United States Fire Administration.