NFPA Releases Report on Physical Disability & Fires, Promotes Value of Sprinklers

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According to a recent report released by National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), "Physical Disability as a Factor in Home Fire Deaths," approximately 15% of U.S. home fire deaths from 2007 to 2011 were caused at least in part by physical disabilities. The report states that when physical disability was a factor, 60% of victims were 65 years old or older and 85% of victims were killed in 1- and 2-family homes.

Perhaps even more astounding, more than half of the victims died in homes with operational smoke alarms. NFPA is using this report to promote the merits of widespread installation of sprinkler systems.

"Additional steps must be taken to provide maximum safety for people with physical or sensory disabilities," the report says. “Many of the victims might have been saved had home fire sprinklers been present."