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Fire fatalities have been steadily, and even dramatically, decreasing over the last 45 years.
Even more dramatic is the drop in the actual fire death rate per million persons (FDMP) from house fires. In fact, from 1979-2001, the rate dropped by 58 percent, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. That trend will continue as new housing stock replaces old and maintenance of smoke alarms by home occupants is improved. Why? Building and fire codes are effective. Technological innovations in building techniques introduced in recent decades include advanced heating and electrical systems, fire-resistant building materials and features like escape windows and interconnected smoke alarm systems. When homeowners combine these advances with proper maintenance, homes stay safer. |
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