Data snapshot: restaurant fires

For each year from 2011 to 2013, an estimated 5,600 restaurant fires were reported to fire departments in the United States, resulting in fewer than five deaths, 100 injuries, and $116 million in property damage.1

There are many different types of restaurants, from chain restaurants that are found at many locations — including fast-food restaurants — to small, family-owned restaurants that limit business to a single location. Restaurants also vary by the different types of food that they prepare and serve to their customers. No matter the type, however, each restaurant poses unique fire risks as it engages in cooking activities and large numbers of customers potentially gather at one time.