U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,700 structure fires per year at hotel or motel properties between 2006-2010. These fires caused average annual losses of 12 civilian deaths, 143 civilian injuries, and $127 million in direct property damage each year.
Facts & figures
- In an average year, one of every 12 hotels or motels reported a structure fire.
- Smoking materials started 10% of the fires in hotels and motels; these fires caused 79% of the deaths.
- Only 8% of hotel and motel fires were intentionally set, but these accounted for 12% of the associated property damage.
- Twelve percent of fires in hotels and motels began in a bedroom; these fires caused 72% of the associated civilian deaths and 31% of civilian injuries.
- When sprinklers were present and operated, 91% of sprinklers in hotel or motel fires operated effectively when present.
Source: NFPA's "Hotel and Motel Structure Fires" report by Ben Evarts, July 2012.
Video: NFPA's Lisa Braxton says it's just as important to be prepared and know what to do in a hotel/motel emergency as it is in your own home.
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