Structure Fires in Residential Board and Care Facilities

This analysis of structure fires in residential board and care facilities includes information on when these fires occur, leading causes, equipment involved, heat source, area of origin, item first ignited, and extent of flame damage.

Introduction

NFPA 101, Life Safety Code® defines a residential board and care facility as "an occupancy used for lodging and boarding four or more residents not related by blood or marriage to the owners or operators for the purpose of providing personal care services." During 2006-2010, an estimated 1,920 structure fires in residential board and care facilities were reported to U.S. fire departments each year, with associated annual losses of 10 civilian deaths, 61 civilian injuries, and $8 million in direct property damage. Cooking equipment was responsible for four out of five fires. Only 11% of fires spread beyond the object of origin.