house fires News

Quakes Push Californians to Prepare for the Next Big Jolt

RIDGECREST, Calif. — Shaken residents were cleaning up Sunday from two of the biggest earthquakes to rattle California in decades as scientists warn that both should serve as a wake-up call to be ready when the long-dreaded “Big One” strikes. …

The Hartford Fire Index: Top 100 Cities With Highest Fire Risk

A new report released by The Hartford highlights the 100 U.S. cities with the highest home fire risk. According to The Hartford Home Fire Index, the top five cities are: Detroit, Mich. Shreveport, La. Boston, Mass. Flint, Mich. Richmond, Va. …

Des Moines, Iowa Fire Chiefs Consider Ways to Reduce Response Times

Fire chiefs in four Des Moines, Iowa, suburbs have begun discussing consolidating fire department services with the primary goal of reducing response times. The Des Moines Register reports that the fire chiefs in Clive, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines …

Residential Fires Killed 2500 People Between 2011-2013

Between 2011 and 2013, more than 2500 people died in residential fires, according to a just released report. During that time period, 83 percent of civilian fire fatalities occurred as a result of house fires. The U.S. Fire Administration’s latest …

December Was Ohio’s Deadliest Month for Fires in 2014

A string of multiple-fatality home blazes made December Ohio’s deadliest fire month of 2014 and pushed the annual death toll to 115. Statistics from the state fire marshal’s office show 16 people were killed by fires last month, causing an …

At least 200 Utah Households Displaced by Fire in 2014

The Utah Red Cross reports more 200 households were displaced in 2014 because of fires. KSL-TV reports those households include about 670 people. Utah Red Cross regional CEO Heidi Ruster says most of the fires that displaced Utah families were …

Space Heaters Annually Cause 25,000 House Fires

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires and more than 300 deaths are caused each year by space heaters. More than 6,000 Americans receive hospital emergency room care annually for burn injuries associated with room …

Delaware Fires Caused by Residents Warming Pipes

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office says fires at two Kent County homes started when residents tried to warm water pipes. Officials say one fire started Tuesday morning at a home on Boyd Drive in Magnolia when combustibles under the …

Electrical Fires Highest in December

December is the deadliest month when it comes to home electrical fires, according to a recent consumer warning by Fremont Insurance. Fire deaths typically increase during the winter months as a result of increased indoor activity, holiday lighting, malfunctioning heaters …

Despite Recent Death, House Fire Safety Has Improved

Gary Vaughn was mentally ill and homeless, but neighbors on Humber Street in South , Tenn., had known him for years and took care of him. On the evening of Sept. 28, they saw smoke and flames erupting from the …