In 2022, a total of 317,978 structure fires were reported by firefighters across the country, some causing property damage, and others causing burn injuries or worse. But amidst this trove of data, patterns begin to emerge. It becomes apparent that certain months bear a heavier burden when it comes to structure fires. Amongst the twelve months, December emerges as the peak month for structure fires.

In December alone, a staggering 30,832 structure fires were reported in 2022. That's more than any other month, accounting for nearly 10% of the total incidents for the year. The combination of festive decorations, cooking mishaps, and heating appliances pushed December to the top of the chart, making it the worst month for structure fires.

Conversely, as the summer heat peaks and families embark on vacations, August experiences a noticeable dip in structure fire incidents. With many households spending time outdoors or away from home, the risk factors traditionally associated with indoor fires diminish. However, it's essential not to let down our guard entirely, as August still sees a significant number of incidents, reminding us that fire safety remains a year-round concern.

Total Structure Fires in 2022: 317,978

Potential Causes of December Fires

Holiday Decorations: Beyond Christmas trees, festive decorations like lights, candles, and wreaths pose fire risks, especially if they're placed near flammable materials or left unattended.

Cooking Mishaps: With holiday gatherings and elaborate feasts, cooking-related fires become more prevalent. Grease fires, oven mishaps, and unattended stovetops can quickly escalate into structure fires.

Heating Appliances: As temperatures drop, many households rely on space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves for warmth. Improper use or maintenance of these heating sources can lead to devastating fires.

Electrical Overload: The extensive use of holiday lights, electronics, and appliances can overload electrical circuits, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

Dry Weather: In some regions, December coincides with dry, windy conditions, particularly in areas prone to wildland fires. These conditions can exacerbate the spread of structure fires.

Data Source and Methodology

The data above count NFIRS basic incidents, year 2022, for all states, where mutual aid is not given (codes 3 and 4), and the incident type is a structure fire (codes 11, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118).

Mutual aid given incident reports are not counted in order to avoid duplicates.