What are the most common causes of fatal home fires?

• Cooking equipment. From 1992 to 1996, an annual average of 97,3000 cooking fires caused 310 civilian deaths, 4,830 civilian injuries and almost $400 million in direct property damage.
• Heating equipment causes over 70,000 fires a year.
• Arson or suspected arson causes over 50,000 fires a year.
• Other (or unspecified) household equipment causes over 40,000 fires a year.
• Electrical distribution equipment, including wiring, lamps, outlets, switches, fuses, and the circuit breakers cause over 37,000 fires a year.

How do most people die in home fires?

One quarter of home-fire victims die from burns; seven out of 10 die from breathing poisonous gases produced by the fire.

When do the majority of fatal home fires occur?

They happen at night, when most people are asleep. Smoking is the #1 cause of fatal home fires. Smoking caused an average of 850 deaths per year from 1992 to 1996. An average of 610 deaths occur annually from arson or suspected arson; 510 deaths caused by heating equipment; 360 deaths from electrical distribution equipment; and an average of 340 deaths occur annually as a result of children playing with fire, and the deaths are usually the children themselves.

What can I do to ensure that my home is fire safe?

If you live in the City of Seneca, feel free to contact the Seneca Fire Chief or Seneca Fire Marshal to make an appointment to have your home checked. We cannot make your home fire proof, but can visit with you or your family in regards to pre-planning your home as well as placing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home. Either can be contacted 864-885-2738.