USFA releases report on civilian fire injuries

Emmitsburg, MD – Being asleep contributed to 55 percent of civilian injuries in residential building fires between 2008 and 2010, according to a report (.pdf file) released May 2 by the U.S. Fire Administration.

During that time period, roughly 13,000 civilian fire injuries resulted from residential fires. The report states that 76 percent of all civilian fire injuries were caused by fires in residential buildings. These fires occurred most frequently in the late afternoon and early evening, peaking between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., the report states. Trying to control a fire caused 35 percent of injuries.

USFA recommends civilians leave fighting fires to trained firefighters, and instead focus their efforts on creating, practicing and following an escape plan.