Every 18 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. A residential fire occurs every 78 seconds. About every 2 hours, someone dies in a fire. In 1997, 3,360 deaths occurred as a result of residential fires. In 1997, residential property loss due to fire was more than $4.6 billion. Estimates of the cost of a fire-related death are around $1 to $2 million per statistical life.

The most common cause is cooking and heating equipment (39%). 23% of house fires that cause a death are due to smoking. Children playing with ignition sources (matches, cigarette lighters) cause approximately 10% of fatalities. Impairment due to alcohol consumption may be the strongest independent risk factor for death after outbreak of fire. One study found that intoxication contributed to 40% of deaths due to residential fires. Most residential fires occur during the winter months (December-February). The fewest occur in the summer (June-August). African-American children aged 0 through 14 years are more than three times more likely to die in a residential fire than are white children.

When fires occur, always ask "Why?". There are complex legal and factual issues that should be thoroughly considered, investigated, and resolved. Some of the issues to be considered include the following.

• What was the ignition source?
• What was the nature of all flammable materials?
• What was the nature of any toxic fumes?
• Did unattended cooking on a stove or in an oven cause the fire?
• Was the injured person wearing flammable apparel?
• Was there a smoker in the household?
• Did smoking in bed cause ignition?
• Were cigarettes left burning unattended?
• Could any flammable material or product been made safer?
• Was the fire caused by defective wiring?
• Were flammable substances improperly stored?
• Was the building a public or private building?
• Were smoke detectors properly installed and working?
• Did children cause the fire? 
• Who was responsible to supervise the children?
• Did any children have improper access to flammable materials or matches?
• Was there any violation of any laws or building codes?
• Was there any violation of federal flammability standards?
• Was there an investigation by a Fire Marshall?
• Was there any indication of arson?
• Has anyone been charged with a criminal offense?
• Was the fire caused by defective equipment?
• Did emergency equipment properly function?
• Was there a proper emergency response?
• Did an explosion occur?
• Is there liability insurance coverage?
• Is there health insurance coverage?
• What are the nature of any injuries?
• Where there first, second, or third degree burns?
• What percent of the body sustained burns and to what degree?
• Were there injuries to the lungs or other parts of the body?
• If a death occurred, who are the beneficiaries for a wrongful death claim?
• Was there an autopsy?
• What was the cause of death?

If an accident happens, it is important that do not compromise your legal rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, or signing a release for personal or medical information. You should first know your rights. If you, a friend, or loved believe that you have been in a fire, consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately for an evaluation of your case. We are here to help. You can call us seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.