Kentucky Residents More Likely to Die in Fires Than US Average

Thousands of Americans will be injured and die in fires this year. Kentucky residents’ chances of dying in a fire are far higher than the national average, though their risk of being injured in one is less than what’s expected nationwide. Injuries and deaths caused by fires started or worsened by negligence or defective products could be the subject of a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit.

Lawsuits involving fires can be complex because it may be difficult to determine what caused a fire and who is responsible. But don’t let that stop you from talking to a Satterely & Kelley, PLLC attorney if you believe your injury or a loved one’s death was caused by fire caused by negligence. We can be reached at 855-385-9532.

Fires Regularly Cause Injuries and Deaths Across the US and in Kentucky

Home fires in the US from the start of the year through mid-July caused 1,180 fatalities, reports the US Fire Administration (USFA). During the same time frame, 43 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2025 up through mid-July, the USFA reports 32 Kentucky residents were killed in home fires, and two firefighters died on duty.

The USFA states that for 2023, on average, for every thousand fires in Kentucky, there were an average of 3.4 deaths and 4.7 injuries. The national average for every thousand fires is 2.1 deaths and 6.4 injuries. While those in the state are injured less often in fires, they’re about 50% more likely to die in one compared to national averages.

Nationwide, from 2014 to 2023, the number of fires dropped 6% and related injuries decreased by 8%, while the number of deaths caused by fires increased by 5%. For this time frame, there were fewer fires in the US, but more fatalities caused by them.

Where are the Nation’s Fire-Related Death Rates Highest?

From 2015 to 2019, fire-related death rates varied considerably by state. The safest state was 4.7 per million population, and the worst was 23.7. The national average was ten. Nine of the ten states with the highest overall death rates were in the South.

Higher fire death rates are found in states where more people:

• Have incomes below the poverty line
• Live where at least 20% of the population lives below the poverty line
• Are disabled
• Smoke tobacco
• Are Native American, Alaskan Native, or Black
• Live in rural areas

None of the above causes fires or fire deaths, but there’s a correlation between these factors and fire-related deaths.

Older, Black Americans Face a Higher Risk of Dying in a Fire Compared to Whites

When the USFA considered the age and color of those suffering fire-related deaths, they found that Black and White Americans had similar rates (though it was higher for Black Americans) up to age 55, but that difference widened greatly when people were older.

The following are age groups, and the fire-related death rates per million residents:

• 55 to 64: White 16, Black 25
• 65 to 74: White 21, Black 36
• 75 to 84: White 28, Black 55
• 85+: White 34, Black 88

Poor Americans generally have older possessions, often find it more difficult to pay for repairs or routine maintenance, may work multiple jobs, and are likely to have more stress in their lives. They may also have less energy and money to spend on safety. The poverty rate of American Blacks is more than twice that of White Americans, according to KFF.

In a study published in 2016 of 1988 to 1992 fire death rates in counties with at least 250,000 residents, researchers found that areas with a high proportion of Black Americans and low median incomes tend to have exceptionally high fire death rates.

What are the Most Common Causes of Residential Fires?

The USFA states the top causes of 2023 residential fires are the following:

• Cooking – 167,800
• Unintentional, careless acts – 31,500
• Heating system malfunctions – 27,900
• Electrical system malfunctions – 23,700

Any of these causes, depending on the facts, could be the basis of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Negligence is, generally, not using reasonable care in a given situation, and as a result, someone is injured or killed.

An insurance claim or lawsuit for compensation could be based on the following:

• Unsafe cooking practices, especially if natural gas is used
• Careless acts, which are almost by definition, negligent
• Heating or electrical systems that are negligently installed, maintained, or repaired, or that contain defective parts

A fire’s cause can only be determined through an investigation. If you believe your injury or a family member’s death was caused by a fire due to someone’s negligence, it’s critical you contact us as quickly as possible so a thorough investigation can be done before evidence supporting your claim is lost.

Lawyers Experienced in Kentucky Injury Law

Satterley & Kelley PLLC attorneys take on insurance companies and win when accidents injure innocent people. We have recovered millions of dollars for victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death settlements and verdicts.

Call us at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with a Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyer.