Press Release  75% of Massachusetts Fire Deaths Took Place at Home Last Year

STOW — About 75% of fatal fires in Massachusetts last year took place in residential settings, with fires in single-family homes most likely to become deadly, according to preliminary data from the Department of Fire Services.

“We’re keenly aware that these statistics represent beloved family members, dear friends, and close neighbors,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Our hearts go out to everyone who lost a loved one last year, and we hope promoting the data will help the public understand the common factors and prevent future tragedies.”

Overall, 55 people lost their lives to fire in Massachusetts last year, including 54 civilians and one firefighter who passed away due to injuries sustained in a prior-year fire. This represents a 22% increase over the 45 fatalities reported in 2023. Three fatal fires claimed two lives each: one took place in a two-family home, one in a multi-family home, and one in a motor vehicle collision.

Residential Fire Deaths
Of the 54 civilian fire deaths reported across Massachusetts in 2024, 40 took place in residential settings. Fires in single-family homes accounted for 20 fatalities, while two-family homes accounted for five and multi-family homes accounted for 14. A fire in a manufactured home claimed one person’s life. The victims ranged from 9 to 93 years old and included three children under 18, 14 adults between 18 and 64, and 22 adults aged 65 or older.

Residential Fire Protection
Working smoke alarms were found in only seven of the single-family homes, one two-family home, and six multi-family homes. They were missing, not operational, or their status could not be determined in the remainder. None of the affected homes were protected by automatic fire sprinklers.

Residential Fire Causes
The unsafe use or disposal of smoking materials was the most likely cause in at least 12 fatal fires – triple the number recorded in 2023.  In five of these cases, home oxygen equipment was located at the scene. While the most likely cause has not yet been determined for many fatal fires in 2024, electrical events are currently believed to be the second-leading factor after smoking materials.

Other Occupancies
Motor vehicles were the second-leading occupancy after dwellings, with eight fatalities. Four of these deaths were the result of fires that followed collisions. Another four took place in stationary vehicles. Six fire deaths took place outdoors, including three in tents or encampments occupied by people who had been living outside homes or shelters.
 

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