Space Heater Fire Statistics & Facts: Updated in 2023

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Space heaters are a common appliance in any home, but they are also a common cause of fires. In fact, space heaters are responsible for most residential fires. Although space heaters are becoming safer, they still pose a massive threat to the safety and well-being of those who depend on them. Here is a look at updated space heater fire statistics and facts for this year.

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• Space Heater Fire Frequency, Consequences, and Other Facts
• Space Heater Fire Safety Facts

The 13 Space Heater Fire Statistics

1. Heating equipment is the number one cause of household fires in the US.
2. It is estimated that 21,800 residential fires are caused by space heaters every year.
3. 32% of all home heating fires are caused by space heaters specifically.
4. 24% of space heater fires occur whenever the heater is placed too close to fabric.
5. Of all fire-related deaths, 80% of them are caused by space heaters.
6. About 300 people die from fires caused by space heaters every year.
7. Space heaters and other similar heating appliances have caused over $1 billion in property damage.
8. Nationwide alone paid out $48 million in space heater claims.
9. December through February is when most space-heater-related fires occur.
10. There are simple ways that you can protect yourself from space heater fires.
11. Space heaters are getting safer and safer.
12. Fuel-burning space heaters are the most dangerous.
13. It only takes 3 minutes for a fire to escalate out of hand.

Space Heater Fire Frequency, Consequences, and Other Facts

1. Heating equipment is the number one cause of household fires in the US.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fixed or portable space heaters are the number one cause of fires. It is estimated that as much as 44% of fires are caused by space heaters every year.

Following space heater fires, fireplaces and chimneys are the second most common cause. They are responsible for 29% of fires. Central heating units and water heaters make up the remaining fires.

(National Fire Protection Association)

2. It is estimated that 21,800 residential fires are caused by space heaters every year.

Although percentages help you to understand how many fires are caused by space heaters, the actual numbers can be more helpful. For example, 21,800 residential fires are caused by space heaters every year.

(United States Consumer Product Safety Commission)

3. 32% of all home heating fires are caused by space heaters specifically.

Studies examining common causes of fires usually include a category called “home heating fires.” Home heating fires include all fires that are caused by heating appliances, including space heaters, heating units, and any other appliance used for heating.

Despite countless heating appliances being used, 32% of home heating fires are caused by space heaters. This shows how dangerous space heaters are, even when looking at other home heating appliances.

(Missouri Department of Public Safety)

4. 24% of space heater fires occur whenever the heater is placed too close to fabric.

Space heater fires can occur for several reasons. However, studies have found that 24% of home heating fire deaths are caused whenever a space heater is placed too close to fabric items, like clothing, bedding, furniture, and mattresses.

For this reason, nearly a quarter of all home heating fires occur because people put space heaters in hazardous areas.

(Space Heater Involvements with Fabric Fires Gov Info)

5. Of all fire-related deaths, 81% of them are caused by space heaters.

Fires are deadly within the home. Although all fires have the propensity for death, space heater fires tend to be the deadliest. Out of all civilian deaths, about 81% are caused by fixed or portable space heaters.

Likewise, about 80% of civilians injured during a fire are harmed by space heaters. These statistics show us how dangerous space heater fires are.

(National Fire Protection Association)

6. About 300 people die from fires caused by space heaters every year.

Just as looking at the exact number of space heater fires is helpful, seeing the exact number of people who die from space heater fires is shocking. Every year, an average of 300 people die from fires caused by space heaters.

(Missouri Department of Public Safety)

7. Space heaters and other similar heating appliances have caused over $1 billion in property damage.

Death and injury are not the only consequences of space heater fires. Space heater fires also cause a lot of property damage. It is estimated that fires caused by space heaters, both fixed and portable, have caused property damage worth about $1.1 billion.

If you look at all the property damage caused by heating equipment fires, 54% of property damage occurs from fixed or portable space heaters.

(National Fire Protection Association)

8. Nationwide alone paid out $48 million in space heater claims.

Nationwide alone has paid out $48 million in space heater claims. This $48 million is only a tiny fraction of the $559 million of direct property damage in Nationwide customers’ homes.

(Nationwide)

9. December through February is when most space-heater-related fires occur.

Space heater fires can happen all year, but the vast majority happen in the deep of winter. As much as 50% of space heater fires occur between December, January, and February. This makes sense because most people use space heaters during these months.

(Nationwide)

Space Heater Fire Safety Facts

10. There are simple ways that you can protect yourself from space heater fires.

As we have learned, space heater fires are all too common, and they cause a lot of damage, injury, and death. Furthermore, many of these fires are caused whenever a space heater is placed too close to fabric. Although these statistics are sad, they show that simple safety precautions can help protect you and your home from a space heater fire.

Most importantly, abide by the rule of three. Always keep the heater 3 feet away from anything it can burn, including people, pets, and fabric. Another easy tip is to never leave the space heater on whenever you are asleep or not in the room. Although it may be tempting to leave the heater on when you sleep or whenever you leave the house, doing so is an accident waiting to happen.

(Fire Rescue 1)

11. Space heaters are getting safer and safer.

Space heaters are a risk to any home, but space heaters are becoming safer every year. As the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports, safety standards are increasing by the year. As such, newer models are safer to use than old models.

You can use this information to your advantage. Get rid of old, potentially dangerous space heaters in favor of safer models with more advanced safety features.

(United States Consumer Product Safety Commission)

12. Fuel-burning space heaters are the most dangerous.

Although all space heaters pose risks, fuel-burning space heaters are the most dangerous. In contrast to electronic models, fuel-burning space heaters often do not include automatic shut-off features, and they can cause smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning

For this reason, it’s best to go with new electric space heaters. You still need to be careful when using electric models, but they aren’t quite as dangerous as gas models.

(United States Consumer Product Safety Commission)

13. It only takes 3 minutes for a fire to escalate out of hand.

In 33% of American household fires, the homeowners and individuals only have 3 minutes to act before the fire becomes life-threatening. Because fires can turn deadly fast, take precautions to keep your home safe from a fire.

(Nationwide)

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of fires are caused by space heaters?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, as much as 80% of residential fires are caused by space heaters.

(National Fire Protection Association)

Why do space heaters cause so many fires?

Space heaters are responsible for a high number of fires for two reasons. First, they can malfunction easily. Secondly, many people do not pay close attention to their space heaters. If a space heater malfunctions when you’re not paying attention, it could start a fire you could’ve prevented by unplugging it.

(NY Times)

Can you get burned from space heaters?

Space heaters can do more damage than just cause a fire. Even when they are working properly, they can cause severe burns. That is why keeping space heaters away from pets and children is essential.

(Larson Law Firm)

What safety features should space heaters have?

Always look for space heaters that come with safety features. The two most important safety features to look for include overheating protection and automatic shut-off features.

(CNet)

How far away should I place my space heater from burnable objects?

Always place space heaters at least 3 feet away from other items that can get burned, including fabric, people, and pets.

(NY Times)

Conclusion

As you can see from these scary facts and statistics, space heaters are dangerous. Electric models aren’t as dangerous as units that run on propane or natural gas, but they still cause an alarming number of fires every year. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and following the safety measures we discussed can keep you safe. Placing the heater 3 feet away from anything that can burn and only running it when you’re nearby and awake can prevent fires.

• See Also: When Is the Best Time To Buy Patio Furniture?

Featured Image Credit: RoberioJr, Shutterstock