Whereas, there were 1.6 million fires attended by fire department, one every 20 seconds, according to the latest information available. Whereas, a fire breaks out in a home every 83 seconds. Whereas, over 3,600 people were killed in fires across the United States, one every 143 minutes. Whereas, almost 18,000 people were injured by fires, one every 29 minutes. Whereas, over 80 percent of these fatal fires occurred in residential occupancies. Whereas, fires caused $11 billion in residential property damage, with $7 billion occurring in residential occupancies. Whereas, 96 percent of the homes in the United States are equipped with smoke alarms, but almost three-fourths of the residential fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms or the smoke alarms were not present. Whereas, smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States, killing one-fourth of the fire victims. Whereas, prevention and mitigation strategies, such as public education, the installation of smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers can reduce the loss of life and property by over 80 percent, Now, therefore, be it resolved that we support the development of a strategic initiative to develop an agenda to collectively address fire and life safety on a national level and significantly reduce the loss of life, injury and destruction of property from fire.

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