Mapping Fire Variables Related to Costs: A Critical Review of International Fire Statistics

Abstract In England, fire statistics documented 38,375 fire incidents in buildings in 2024, whereas the USA recorded 470,000 incidents in 2023. Despite the high number of fire incidents, international fire incident data provide inconsistent methods for mapping statistical variables related to financial costs due to fire. This study reviews international fire statistics to be used to estimate fire financial losses from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and China. In fire statistics, property damage is commonly calculated through formula-based methods relying on average cost per square meter or percentage of damaged area. However, fire variables are documented without offering cost methodologies for casualties and fire protection measures. This review highlights the importance of a consistent approach to estimating fire-related financial evaluations based on fire variables, thereby advancing data collection practices and contributing to more effective public safety strategies.