According to the U.S. Fire Administration, for each year between 2009 and 2011, an estimated 11,300 fires were reported to Fire Departments in the United States over a three-day period around Halloween. These fires caused an estimated 30 deaths, 175 injuries and $96 million in property loss.
Halloween fires occur most frequently in the late afternoon and early evening hours, peaking during the dinner hours between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Fires then begin a slow decline, reaching their lowest statistical point between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
The leading causes of Halloween residential fires include cooking (43%) and heating (15%). Careless and inappropriate action also leads to Halloween fires, as does the use of candles, hot lamps and overloaded electric circuits near highly flammable seasonal decorations.
The Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to survey your home for holiday hazards, and to take the steps necessary to keep your home and family safe this Halloween.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
