Furniture and furnishings in the home—some fire statistics

Abstract

AbstractA statistical study of fires in the United Kingdom involving the ignition of furniture and furnishings is presented. This paper examines the data for one year (1970). The analysis shows that in fires starting in furniture and furnishings the chance of a fatality is over twice that in other domestic fires. The majority of furniture fires involve upholstery or bedding and over 90% were started by smokers' materials, electric appliances, space heating or as the result of the activities of children or suspected arsonists. Eighty‐five percent of the fatalities were found in the room of origin of the fire. Eighty per cent were overcome by smoke or toxic gases. Sixty percent of the fatalities were either under 5 or over 65 years of age. Monetary values are assigned for damage, casualties and deaths in fire. These costs can be used to assess the value of fire precautions. With the values taken, the total losses in furniture fires in the home amounted to £19 million in 1970. Life loss accounted for the major part of this sum. The expected annual loss per dwelling as a result of the ignition of furniture is thus only about £1, and is only £3 for all dwelling fires. This low figure suggests an approach of either selective spending on those most at risk (the elderly and handicapped) or by government activity through publicity and education.