Smoking

Careless smoking is the leading cause of residential fire deaths. Smoke detectors and smolder-resistant bedding and upholstered furniture are significant fire deterrents.

Arson

Arson is the second largest cause of residential fires and residential fire deaths. In commercial properties, arson is the major cause of deaths, injuries and dollar loss.

Heating

Heating is the third leading cause of residential fire deaths. Heater fires are the leading cause of fire deaths in the southeastern U.S.; wood stoves are particularly a problem in the northern U.S.

Cooking

Cooking is the leading cause of apartment fires and the second most frequent cause of single-family residential fires. these fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than from mechanical failures of stoves or ovens.