- Author
- Flynn, J. D.
- Title
- Children Playing With Fire.
- Coporate
- National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
- Report
- NFPA No. USS17, January 2009, 60 p.
- Keywords
- children | fire statistics | structures | death | injuries | damage | home fires | lighters | matches
- Identifiers
- firesetting; fire play; National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)
- Abstract
- In 2006, an estimated 14,500 child-playing structure fires were reported to U.S. municipal fire departments, with associated losses of 130 civilian deaths, 810 civilian injuries, and $328 million in direct damage. Fifty-eight percent of these structure fires took place in the home. Most child-playing home fires begin with lighters or matches. The items ignited by home fire-play are principally mattresses, bedding, or clothing followed by magazines, newspaper, or writing paper, and upholstered furniture or vehicle seats. Nineteen percent of people who start reported fires by playing are 4 year olds. Nearly two thirds (63%) of all fatal victims of fires by playing are children 5 years old and younger. Estimates are based on data from the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) annual fire department experience survey.