Smoke Alarm Performance in Residential Structure Fires. U.S. Fire Administration Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 1, Issue 15, March 2001. (Rev. December 2001)

摘要

Each year, there are an estimated 405,000 fires in residential structures, which cause nearly 3,600 fatalities, 18,600 injuries, and $4.7 billion in property loss. Given the enormity of the U.S. fire problem, fire service and public health experts are constantly seeking programs/devices that will reduce the number of lives lost and property destroyed by fire. Since 1970 when battery-powered smoke alarms were first introduced, smoke alarms have become a familiar presence in American homes. By 2000, they were installed in nearly 94% of U.S. households. This topical report examines the performance of smoke alarms in residential structure fires. Particular attention is given to fatal fires, especially those with multiple victims.