Fire Data and Statistics

Information about fire and burn data and statistics in Massachusetts.
MFIRS Logo

The Division of Fire Safety maintains the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) and the Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (MBIRS). We analyze data from these systems to:

  • learn what causes fires and burns,
  • determine if problems are getting better or worse,
  • and develop appropriate prevention plans.

Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS)

Massachusetts participates in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). We send information from Massachusetts fire departments to the U.S. Fire Administration. Although paperwork may seem to have little to do with fire protection, it is important. When firefighters document the causes of fires, the information helps prevent future fires.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission uses NFIRS data to identify products that can cause fires. They also develop safety tips to include in free publications. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses NFIRS information to identify fire risks in vehicles. The National Fire Protection Association uses NFIRS data in many of their analyses.

Fire departments and MFIRS vendors can contact the Fire Data Unit at 978-567-3382 for information on:

  • coding
  • forms
  • electronic reporting
  • record layout
  • software vendor approval

Additional Resources

Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) Statistics

Fires or explosions that harm people or damage property must be reported to the Division of Fire Safety. DFS encourages fire departments to report all incidents. The data on fire incident reports is analyzed and categorized in many ways.

Annual Fact Sheets summarize fires and fire deaths in Massachusetts on a single page.

Annual Reports include a complete set of Massachusetts fire statistics for the year. 

Executive Summaries provide a summary of Massachusetts fire statistics for the year.

Annual County Data provides statistical data by county.

Annual Suffolk County Data. Beginning in 2014, this data was included in the County Data.

For data requests or copies of older reports, contact the Fire Data Unit at (978) 567-3382.

Additional Resources

Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (MBIRS)

The Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (MBIRS) helps to identify arsonists and prevent burns. During arson, the perpetrator may burn themselves. They may seek treatment far from the crime scene in an attempt to avoid detection. MBIRS is also a powerful tool for burn prevention. MBIRS data is used to produce an annual report on the causes of burns that can identify trends and patterns. The report is shared with hospitals and injury prevention professionals.

Health care providers must report burns that cover 5% or more of a person's body surface. You can report by phone or by Fax.

About MBIRS and MBIRS Reporting is a pamphlet that explains MBIRS reporting for hospital staff.

For forms or questions about reporting, physicians and hospitals can contact the Fire Data Unit at (978) 567-3382.

Additional Resources

MBIRS Annual Reports

The Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (M-BIRS) is a joint program between the Mass. Department of Public Health and the Department of Fire Services. M-BIRS is a tool for law enforcement. It is also a powerful injury prevention tool for health educators and policy makers.

For fire data requests or copies of older reports, contact the Fire Data Unit at (978) 567-3382.

Additional Resources

Contact   for Fire Data and Statistics

Fax

Fire Data Unit Fax & M-BIRS Reporting Fax 978-567-3199

Address

1 State Road, Stow, MA 01775

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback