Schools are among the safest public buildings, but fires still happen. NFPA estimates U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,230 school structure fires per year (2014–2018), causing injuries and millions in damage. The leading sources are intentionally set fires and cooking equipment in cafeterias and home-economics areas. Intentional fires account…
Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public-safety observance in North America. It takes place every year during the week of October 9 to remember the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a disaster that burned for two days and reshaped how cities think about building safety, fire codes, and public awareness.…
When a fire breaks out, first responders—firefighters, emergency medical teams, and rescue units—are the first line of defense. Their training isn’t just about bravery; it’s about mastering life-saving skills, using advanced equipment, and following strict safety standards. Behind every emergency call answered in seconds are months of training, simulations, and…
In recent years, wildfires have become more frequent, larger, and more destructive. Families across North America are facing the reality that fire season is no longer a few months long—it can stretch across most of the year. Preparing for wildfires is not just about protecting property; it’s about safeguarding lives…
When a fire breaks out, seconds matter. Modern homes filled with synthetic materials and lithium-ion batteries can let flames and toxic smoke spread rapidly—sometimes giving you as little as two minutes to escape safely. The deadliest errors are usually behavioral: hesitating, trying to fight a growing fire, or going back…
Backyard bonfires and grilling are the heart of summer evenings and long weekends. But outdoor flames demand smart habits. Recent data shows how quickly things can go wrong: U.S. fire departments respond to 10,000–11,000+ home fires tied to grills each year, with July the peak month; and an average of…
Children don’t need frightening stories to learn fire safety. In fact, the safest approach is calm, age-appropriate coaching that builds confidence through simple rules and playful practice. Good news helps, too: in the U.S., the relative risk of children (≤14) dying in a fire is now far lower than the…
Winter concentrates heating-related hazards. Nearly half (46%) of all U.S. home heating equipment fires happen between December and February, and heating remains a leading cause of home fires and home fire deaths. In 2023, heating caused about 8.1% of residential building fires, second only to cooking. That same year, U.S.…
Volunteers are the backbone of U.S. fire protection. In thousands of towns, volunteer firefighters leave dinner tables, classrooms, and job sites to respond to emergencies—most of which are medical in nature today. Below is a data-rich, up-to-date guide to what volunteers do, how many there are, what it takes to…
Fire is one of the fastest and deadliest threats a household can face. Flames can engulf a room in just minutes, but what makes them even more dangerous is the smoke they generate. Most home fire fatalities are not caused by burns but by smoke inhalation. Smoke spreads quickly, is…