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Source: Home Structure Fires Involving Electrical Distribution or Lighting Equipment, John R. Hall, Jr., NFPA, Quincy, MA. March 2008.
Copyright 2008 Liberal use of NFPA fact sheets is allowable with attribution.
Home Fires Involving Electrical Distribution or Lighting Equipment
U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 20,900 reported U.S.
home1 structure fires involving electrical distribution or lighting equipment in 2005.
These fires resulted in 500 civilian fire deaths, 1,100 civilian fire injuries, and
$862 million in direct property damage.
Halogen lights have a higher risk of fire
than incandescent lights.
Some type of electrical failure or malfunction
was cited as factor contributing to ignition for
73% of electrical distribution or lighting
equipment home structure fires.
Lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs
accounted for the largest share of the 2002-
2005 home structure fires involving
electrical distribution or lighting
equipment.
Cords and plugs accounted for the largest
share of the 2002-2005 home structure fire
civilian deaths involving electrical
distribution or lighting equipment.
Nearly half (42%) of civilian deaths in
2002-2005 home structure fires involving
electrical distribution or lighting equipment
began in the living room, family room or
den.
Home structure fires involving electrical
distribution or lighting equipment show a
winter peak.
Wire or cable insulation is what ignited
first in 30% of electrical distribution or
lighting equipment home structure fires.
Fires involving electrical distribution or lighting equipment are not the same as
fires involving electrical failure or malfunction. Appliances and other home
electrical equipment can also have electrical failures.
Home Structure Fires, 2002-2005 Annual Averages
Electrical D