The Facts
In the U.S., a home fire is reported to a fire department roughly every 85 seconds.
In Canada, a home fire is reported to a fire department every 25-30 minutes.
In both the U.S. and Canada, 4 out of 5 fire deaths occur in the home.
In the U.S. someone is killed in a home fire every three hours.
On average, Canada loses one person a day to a home fire.
Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning device available. Having a smoke alarm in your home cuts your chance of dying in a fire nearly in half! Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home and in or near all sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month and batteries replaced once a year or when the alarm "chirps", warning that the battery is low.
Every household should develop and practice a home fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place.
Fireplace Safety
Each year fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans, injures tens of thousands, and causes billions of dollars worth of damage. People living in rural areas are more than twice as likely to die in a fire than those living in mid-sized cities or suburban areas. The misuse of wood stoves, portable space heaters and kerosene heaters are especially common risks in rural areas.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes rural fire problems can be reduced by teaching people to recognize the hazards. By following some of the outlined precautionary steps, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a fire casualty.
Wood Stoves
Wood stoves cause over 9,000 residential fires every year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs, or trash. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from your wood stove.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Click here to download a USFA Fact Sheet on Fireplace Safety in pdf format.
Fire Safety Pamphlets
