- Author
- Flynn, J. D.
- Title
- Natural Gas and LP-Gas Home Structure Fires.
- Coporate
- National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
- Report
- NFPA No. USS45, August 2007, 34 p.
- Keywords
- natural gas | LP gas | home fires | structures | fire statiistics | methane | marsh gas | death | fire fatalities | injuries | costs | damage | cooking | kitchen fires | heat sources
- Identifiers
- home natural gas and LP-gas structure fires; how national estimates are calculated; type of materials first ignited in homes 2000-2004
- Abstract
- Natural gas, including methane and marsh gas, was the type of material first ignited in an estimated annual average of 2,410 home structure fires during 2000-2004. These fires resulted in an estimated 43 civilian deaths, 217 civilian fire injuries, and $48 million in direct property damage. LP-gas, including butane, butane and air mixtures, and propane gas was the type of material first ignited in an estimated annual average of 1,390 home structure fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 23 civilian deaths, 193 civilian fire injuries, and $49 million in direct property damage. In homes, for both types of gases, the kitchen or cooking area was the leading area of origin for fires and the leading heat source was spark, ember, or flame from operating equipment. For fires where natural gas was first ignited, the stove was the leading equipment involved. For LP-gas fires, the leading equipment involved was a grill, hibachi, or barbecue.