NFPA: Number of 1997 U.S. fire fatalities drops
The U.S. fire death toll for 1997 was 4,050–the lowest in the past 20 years, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). However, Dr. John Hall, NFPA`s assistant vice president of fire analysis and research, cautiously observes that in the past, “one year spikes or dips were reversed a year later.”
The report also noted the following:
In 1997, the number of fire deaths in the home dropped by 16.7 percent, to 3,360, yet the percentage of fire fatalities occurring in the home has increased for the third consecutive year. Home fire deaths now account for 83 percent of all U.S. fire deaths.
Home fires resulted in nearly $4.4 billion in direct property damage.
Public fire departments responded to 1.795 million fires in 1997, a decrease of 9.1 percent from 1996.
Incendiary and suspicious structure fires decreased by 8.2 percent, to 78,500; the 445 deaths resulting from these fires represent a decrease of 14.4 percent from 1996.
Reported injuries in all fires for 1997 were 23,750, a 7.1 percent decrease (this estimate may be low, since civilian injuries are generally underreported).
Noting that despite the decrease in civilian fire fatalities, more than 4,000 people still died in fires during 1997, the NFPA is recommending the following to reduce the overall fire death toll:
Increase public fire safety and prevention education.
Smoke alarms be used more widely and be regularly tested and maintained.
Develop and practice home fire escape plans.
Use residential fire sprinkler systems more extensively.
Create more fire-safe home products.
Give increased attention to the needs of high-risk groups such as the young, older adults, and residents of low-income communities.
