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 Approved Vendors as of July 2020 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.
- 2022 Fact Sheet
- 2021 Fact Sheet
- 2020 Fact Sheet
- 2019 Fact Sheet
- 2018 Fact Sheet
- 2017 Fact Sheet
- 2016 Fact Sheet
- 2015 Fact Sheet
- 2014 Fact Sheet
- 2013 Fact Sheet
- 2012 Fact Sheet
Annual Reports include a complete set of Massachusetts fire statistics for the year.
- 2019 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2018 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2017 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2016 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2015 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2014 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2013 MFIRS Annual Report
- 2012 MFIRS Annual Report
Executive Summaries provide a summary of Massachusetts fire statistics for the year.
- 2019 MFIRS Executive Summary
- 2018 MFIRS Executive Summary
- 2017 MFIRS Executive Summary
- 2016 MFIRS Executive Summary
- 2015 MFIRS Executive Summary
- 2014 MFIRS Executive Summary
Annual County Data provides statistical data by county.
- 2021 County Profiles
- 2020 County Profiles
- 2019 County Profiles
- 2018 County Profiles
- 2017 County Profiles
- 2016 County Profiles
- 2015 County Profiles
- 2014 Counties
- 2013 Counties
- 2012 Counties
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.
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Fax the completed Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting Form (FP 84F) to (978) 567-3199; or
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Mail the Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting Form (FP 84F) to: M-BIRS, Department of Fire Services, P.O. Box 1025, Stow, MA 01775
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.