Statistical Reports: Vehicle Fires

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Topical Fire Report Series

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.

New: Highway Vehicle Fires (2008-2010)

Findings from this report:

  • Approximately one in seven fires responded to by fire departments across the nation is a highway vehicle fire. This does not include the tens of thousands of fire department responses to highway vehicle accident sites.
  • Unintentional action (32 percent) was the leading cause of highway vehicle fires.
  • Eighty-six percent of highway vehicle fires occurred in passenger vehicles.
  • Sixty-one percent of highway vehicle fires and 35 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires originated in the engine, running gear, or wheel area of the vehicle.
  • The leading factor contributing to the ignition of highway vehicle fires was mechanical failure (44 percent).
  • Insulation around electrical wiring (28 percent) and flammable liquids in the engine area (18 percent) were the most common items first ignited in highway vehicle fires.

Download Highway Vehicle Fires (2008-2010) » (PDF, 689 Kb)