Reports and statistics

Structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks by year
(1980-2006). See larger image.

In 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,570 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks. These fires caused an annual average of 7 civilian deaths, 54 civilian fire injuries, and $29.4 million in direct property damage. Fires in these properties accounted for 0.7% of all reported structure fires within the same time period. These estimates are based on data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annual fire department experience survey.

Cooking equipment was involved in 75% of reported structure fires. Only 5% of fires in these properties began in the bedroom, but these fires accounted for 62% of the civilian deaths and 26% of civilian fire injuries. Fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and barracks are more common during the evening hours, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and on weekends.

NFPA Report

"U.S. Structure Fires in Dormitories, Fraternities, Sororities and Barracks," by Jennifer D. Flynn, August 2009

All visitors: Download this report. (PDF, 294 KB)
All visitors: Download a fact sheet on dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks. (PDF, 39 KB)

Related report

NFPA's Structure Fires in Educational Properties" report, August 2009.

Fire investigation
A fire claimed the lives of five people at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house on the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill campus on May 12, 1996.

NFPA members: Download this report for free. (PDF, 3.7 MB)
All visitors: Download a free report summary. (PDF, 22 KB)
See more NFPA fire investigation reports on dormitory fires.