This chart is the most telling and it is simply a plot of the NFPA’s own information. Recall, in the mid 1970’s ionization alarms were only in roughly 15% of American’s homes. By 2005, nearly all Americans, approximately 95%, had an ionization detector.
One would think if we went from 15% to 95% over a thirty year period then the death rate in residential fires would decrease significantly.
WRONG.
For 30 years the rate has remained around 8 deaths for every 1,000 fires.
The 2006 White Paper Report, which is a 60 page report on home smoke alarms, actually acknowledges this fact on page 11 of the report. For some reason it has gotten very little attention.
(c) Copyright July 09
The Number of U.S. Home Fire Deaths has
Remained Constant for the Last 30 Years
8 Deaths for Every 1,000 Fires
Deaths
