Arson by the Numbers

There were an estimated 30,500 intentionally set structure fires in the United States in 2008 that resulted in some $866 million in property loss, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Intentionally set structure fires also resulted in 315 civilian deaths in 2008, the most recent year for which USFA data is available.

In 2008, arsons involving structures, including residential, commercial and public buildings, accounted for 43.4 percent of the total number of arson offenses, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Arsons involving mobile property accounted for 28.9 percent and other types of property arsons, 27.7 percent.

The average dollar loss per arson offense was $16,015; commercial structures had the highest average dollar loss, at $212,388, according to the FBI.

The USFA identifies the most common locations in residential buildings in which fires are started as:

• Functional areas: Bedrooms – 19 percent and kitchens/cooking areas – 9 percent
• Structural areas (walls, ceilings, floors, attics, crawl spaces) – 16 percent
• Passage ways (hallways, stairways and entranceways) – 13 percent
• Common rooms, dens, family rooms, living rooms and lounges – 13 percent

The most often used heat sources for intentionally set fires in residential buildings are open flames or smoking materials (64 percent). Three of the top four leading sources include cigarette lighters, matches and other types of open flame/smoking material.

Powered equipment and explosives or fireworks follow as common sources of fire ignition in intentionally set residential fires.

Floor coverings, rugs, carpets or mats, as well as exterior sidewall coverings, surfaces or finishes are the materials most frequently ignited fires in residential fires, followed by soft goods and apparel. Other commonly ignited materials include rubbish, trash and waste; magazines, newspapers and writing paper; and uncontained flammable liquids or gas.

Sources: FBI, USFA