Seven Things You Should Know About Fire Damage
1. The intensity of fire damage can vary based on factors such as the type of fuel, duration of the fire, and response time of firefighters. High temperatures can melt metals, shatter glass, and weaken concrete. Fire damage extends beyond the initial burning. Smoke and soot generated during a fire can travel throughout a building, causing damage to surfaces, electronics, and personal belongings. Smoke odors can be challenging to remove.
2. Water damage often accompanies fire damage due to the use of firefighting techniques like hose lines and sprinkler systems. This water can saturate materials, leading to mold growth, corrosion, and further structural damage. Fire damage can have severe health implications. Smoke inhalation can cause respiratory problems, and exposure to toxic fumes from burning materials can lead to long-term health issues.
3. There were an estimated 359,000 deaths worldwide due to global fire incidents in 2022, making it one of the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths.
In the United States alone, fire damage accounted for approximately $14.8 billion in property losses in 2019.
4. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were approximately 339,500 residential fires reported in the United States in 2021, resulting in 2,770 civilian deaths and 11,650 civilian injuries.
5. Fires can cause significant damage to businesses and the economy. In the United Kingdom, for example, fires cost businesses around £3.6 billion ($4.8 billion) annually, including property damage, lost business, and recovery expenses.
6. Electrical malfunctions are a common cause of fires. In the United States, electrical fires were responsible for approximately 8.4% of all residential fires in 2021, resulting in 440 deaths, 1,250 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. On the other hand, smoking materials are a leading cause of fire-related deaths. In the United States, smoking caused an estimated 14,200 fires in 2021, resulting in 460 deaths, 1,000 injuries, and $640 million in property damage.
7. Cooking-related fires are also a significant concern. According to the NFPA, cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires in the United States between 2014 and 2018.
