National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Estimates

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Fire Estimates (2011)

Additional information on the U.S. fire problem is available from the NFPA's website.

NFPA definition of Structure
An assembly of materials forming a construction for occupancy or use in such a manner as to serve a specific purpose. A building is a form of structure. Open platforms, bridges, roof assemblies over open storage or process areas, tents, airsupported, and grandstands are other forms of structures.

Total Fire Loss (2011)
All Fires
Deaths
Injuries
Direct Dollar Loss In Millions
1,389,500
3,005
17,500
$11,659
Fire Loss by Property Use (2011)
Property Use
Fires
Deaths
Injuries
Direct Dollar Loss In Millions
All Structures
484,500
2,640
15,635
$9,693
Residential Structures
386,000
2,550
14,360
$7,054
Nonresidential Structures
98,500
90
1,275
$2,639
Vehicles
219,000
300
1,190
$1,350
Outdoor and Other Fires
686,000
65
675
$616
Intentionally Set Structure Fires (2011)
Fires
Deaths
Direct Dollar Loss In Millions
26,500
190
$601

Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. 2011.

Fire Departments (2010)

Number of Fire Departments (2010)
All Fire Departments
All Career
Mostly Career
Mostly Volunteer
All Volunteer
30,125
2,495 (8.3%)
1,860 (6.2%)
5,290 (17.5%)
20,480 (68.0%)

Career=100% career firefighters, Mostly Career=51%-99% career firefighters, Mostly Volunteer=1%-50% career firefighters, Volunteer=100% volunteer firefighters

Response Breakdown (2010)
Response
Number
% Change from 2008
Fires
1,331,500
-1.3
Medical Aid
18,522,000
+8.3
False Alarms
2,187,000
+0.5
Mutual Aid/Assistance
1,189,500
-8.2
Hazmat
402,000
+1.3
Other Hazardous (Arcing wires, bomb removal, etc.)
660,000
+5.5
All Other (Smoke scares, lock-outs, etc.)
3,913,000
+9.1
TOTAL
28,205,000
+6.3

Source: National Fire Protection Association reports Fire Loss in the United States 2010 and U.S. Fire Department Profile Through 2010

Firefighters (2010)

Source: National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Fire Department Profile Through 2010