In 2023, there were an estimated 344,600 residential building fires in the U.S., which equates to about 944 fires per day in homes, apartments, and similar structures. These incidents contribute significantly to civilian fatalities, injuries, and property loss nationally.

Kitchens are the leading source of residential fires due to cooking accidents, grease buildup, and unattended appliances. Flammable oils, open flames, and high heat make even small mishaps escalate quickly. Installing a Class K or ABC extinguisher nearby and keeping stove areas clear of clutter is critical. 

Call to Action: Implement regular equipment inspections, enforce no-unattended-cooking policies, and train staff on proper fire extinguisher use. 

Overloaded outlets, faulty wiring, and outdated electrical panels are common ignition points. Sparks or overheating can start fires behind walls, often unnoticed until they spread. Routine inspections and limiting extension cord use help prevent electrical fires.

Call to Action: Schedule professional electrical inspections, maintain clearances around panels, and ensure fire detection systems are active and tested. 

Clothes dryers, washers, and lint accumulation are frequent sources of fires. Lint is highly flammable, and dryers can overheat if not cleaned regularly. Ensure lint screens and vents are cleaned monthly and that appliances are properly maintained. 

Furnaces, space heaters, and water heaters can ignite fires if improperly installed, maintained, or used near combustible materials. Annual professional inspections and maintaining safe clearances around heaters reduce risk. 

Garages often contain flammable liquids, paints, solvents, and improperly stored propane or fuels. Cluttered spaces can allow fires to ignite and spread rapidly. Keep storage organized, ventilated, and limit combustible material accumulation. 

Blocked corridors, stairwells, or exit routes in multi-unit buildings prevent residents from escaping during a fire. Smoke and fire spread faster when egress is obstructed. Maintain clear pathways, emergency lighting, and visible exit signage. 

Barbecues, fire pits, and improperly discarded smoking materials can ignite fires on balconies or exterior decks. Combustible furniture and plants increase risk. Designate safe grilling areas and enforce strict no-smoking policies near combustible materials. 

Attics can hide electrical wiring, insulation, and HVAC components, making them vulnerable to sparks and overheating. Fires in these areas can go undetected for hours. Ensure insulation is installed safely and conduct periodic inspections of wiring and venting. 

 Accumulated trash, cardboard, and recyclables can quickly feed a fire. Improper disposal of hot ashes or flammable liquids increases risk. Use fire-rated containers and schedule frequent pickups to prevent buildup. 

Furniture, electronics, and decorations in high-traffic areas can ignite from electrical faults or careless use of candles. Fires here threaten multiple units due to proximity. Install smoke detectors and maintain sprinklers and fire extinguishers in communal spaces. 

A multipurpose extinguisher that can suppress ordinary combustibles (wood, paper), flammable liquids, and electrical fires. This is the most recommended type for residential environments because it covers the greatest range of common fire risks.

2025 Statistic: ABC extinguishers remain the most widely used residential extinguisher type due to their versatility across Classes A, B, and C fires.

Call to Action: Ensure at least one ABC extinguisher per floor and one near high-risk areas (kitchen, garage); train every resident on the PASS technique (Pull–Aim–Squeeze–Sweep). 

This extinguisher uses plain water to cool fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A) like paper, cloth, and wood. It’s effective for simple, small flame events but cannot be used on electrical or flammable liquid fires.

2025 Statistic: Water extinguishers remain limited in general residential use due to risks associated with electrical and grease fires.

Call to Action: If installed, clearly label water-only extinguishers and do not use them near electrical panels or kitchens; prioritize orientation sessions on proper use. 

CO₂ extinguishers smother fire by displacing oxygen and are ideal for electrical (Class C) and liquid fire risks. They leave no residue, making them preferable near electronics. 

2025 Statistic: CO₂ units remain commonly used for electrical/fire risk areas due to non-conductive discharge. 

Call to Action: Place CO₂ extinguishers near mechanical rooms, laundry areas, and home offices; conduct quarterly checks to verify pressure and accessibility. 

Designed for cooking grease fires (Class K), these extinguishers create a soapy layer that cools and suppresses oil fires. Essential in residential kitchens where grease risks are present. 

2025 Statistic: Wet chemical units are critical where deep-fat cooking or high grease loads exist, significantly lowering kitchen fire spread.

Call to Action: Install wet chemical extinguishers in or just outside apartment kitchens/tenant kitchens; include training on how not to use water on grease fires. 

Smoke alarms detect the earliest presence of smoke and warn residents audibly. Photoelectric models excel at detecting smoldering fires; ionization models respond quickly to flaming fires, and dual-sensor devices combine both.

2025 Statistic: Homes with working smoke alarms have about half the fire death rate of those without.

Call to Action: Mandate hard-wired with battery backup smoke alarms in every unit near bedrooms and living spaces; set monthly testing and yearly replacement protocols. 

Often combined with smoke detectors, CO alarms alert residents to dangerous carbon monoxide — an odorless gas from furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, and attached garages. 

2025 Statistic: CO alarms reduce CO poisoning incidents, especially in winter heating months. (Consistent with fire code trends requiring combined detectors.)

Call to Action: Place CO alarms on every floor and outside sleeping areas; educate residents on CO risks and alarm maintenance. 

Automatically activated by high heat, residential fire sprinklers can control or extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. They dramatically lower fatality rates.

2025 Statistic: Sprinklers control fire in about 98% of residential fire incidents and lower death rates by about 90% when present.

Call to Action: For new construction or major renovations, install sprinklers in all units and common areas; advocate for local code updates to require sprinklers in multifamily housing. 

A simple, lightweight device that can smother small fires (e.g., pan grease fire) or wrap around a person if clothing catches fire. 

2025 Statistic: Fire blankets are recommended supplemental tools in kitchens and laundry areas where smaller flame events can occur.

Call to Action: Include fire blankets in home emergency kits and train tenants on when and how to use them safely.