The U.S. Fire Administration issued a special report today examining the characteristics of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings. The report, "Civilian Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings," found that smoking was the leading cause of fatal residential building fires.

Also according to the report:

• 91% of all civilian fatalities in residential building fires involve thermal burns and smoke inhalation.
• 55% of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings occur in bedrooms.
• 51% of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This period also accounts for 49% of fatal fires.
• 70% of fire victims in residential buildings were escaping (36%) or sleeping (34%) at the time of their deaths.
• 57% of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings were men; 43% were women.
• Approximately 43% of civilian fatalities in residential building fires are between the ages of 40 and 69.
• 13% of civilian fire fatalities in residential buildings were less than 10 years old.

For further information regarding other topical reports or any programs and training available at the U.S. Fire Administration, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.