A quarter of deaths from fires and explosions in Spain occur in Andalusia

To put it in context, the number of people who The number of people who lost their lives due to fires or explosions in Spain in 2024 has reached 234. Thus, the total number of victims decreased by 6% compared to the previous year.

But despite the decrease in the number of deaths. The total number of fires rose again In 2024. In total, 133,417 accidents were registered in Spain, 1.3% more than 131,599 in 2023, of which 30,824 occurred indoors, of which 19,411 occurred in homes. In this context, the report also warns against this Once again, people over the age of 64 are the most vulnerable group45.9% of deaths accumulated, most of them at home. Furthermore, the gender gap persists, with men representing 67% of victims compared to 33% of women.

Deaths in homes, at night and in the living room

Of the 234 deaths in 2024, 172 lost their lives in homesone less than in 2023, representing 74% of the total. In this sense, the living room remains the most dangerous space, with 35.5% of deaths, followed by the kitchen (27.3%) and the bedroom (25.5%).

The report reflects that the percentage of deaths in homes It outperformed multifamily buildings by more than 15 points For those registered in single-family homes, 57.6% compared to 42.4%. Many Accidents occur in single-family homes in small municipalitiesin old homes, as the characteristics of these buildings, such as the use of combustible materials in their construction, old facilities or the lack of security systems, etc., make it difficult to respond to these incidents.

According to the manufacturer, the worst data They were registered in the first(36.6%), followed by the second floor (18%), and in third place is the fourth floor (7%).

Most deaths are at home It happened at nightbetween 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., when 85 casualties fell, compared to 78 during the day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday became the most tragic day, with 41 deaths, and the coldest months, December and February, the most dangerous, with 31 and 22 deaths, respectively. Moreover, the report reveals that the risk of death in a fire was Nearly five times higher among those who live alone compared to those who shared their home, which underscores the vulnerability of this group.

Data by autonomous communities

Andalusia Recorded the largest number of deaths Totals due to fires with 57 deaths It represents nearly a quarter of the national total (24.4%). They are followed by the Valencian Community and Aragon, with 43 and 23 deaths, respectively.

However, l Death rate per million populationAragon is the most affected community, with 17.02, followed by La Rioja, with 9.25, and the Valencian Community, with 8.08. Ceuta and Melilla did not record any deaths until 2024.

Through analysis only Deaths resulting from house firesAndalusia takes the lead again in 2024, with 47 deaths, followed by the Valencian Community, with 33, and the Community of Madrid, with 12. In terms of deaths per million inhabitants, La Rioja has the highest figure, with 9.25.

Causes of death

It remains the leading cause of death in fires Poisoning from smoke or toxic gasesWhich claimed the lives of 162 people, or 69.3% of the total victims, which confirms the importance of identifying and dealing with fires from their early stages. And he follows them Burns (23.5%), Shocks (3.4%) or Heart condition (1.7%).

Regarding the origin of the house fires that caused the largest number of deaths,… The main reason was electricalIt is associated with 41.9% of deaths. And he follows them Heat-producing devices or systems, Responsible for 20.4% of cases, and in third place are fires related to smokingWhich represents 14% of deaths, which usually occur due to negligence when smoking on the couch or bed.

International comparison

This has caused an increase in fire deaths recorded in the past four years Spain moves up some places in the world rankings Remaining among the European countries with the best numbers. In the past six years, the average number of deaths has been 4.37 per million people, a number that reflects a relatively favorable situation. Although there is still room for improvement. In comparison, Spain scores slightly lower than Portugal (4.5) and Germany (4.6), but is better than France (4.3); However, countries such as Switzerland (2) and the Netherlands (1.6) show more outstanding results.

Key proposals to reduce fire deaths

During the presentation, Jesús Monclos, Director of Prevention and Road Safety at Fundación MAPFRE, shared a series of guidelines based on the book “112 Recommendations”. Notes for the White Paper on Fire Prevention and Consequences, implemented by Fundación MAPFRE and the Professional Association of Firefighting Technicians. The document includes proposals aimed at: Improving fire prevention and response in Spainsuch as promoting research into its causes, advancing the approval of the Emergency Services Coordination Act or paying greater attention to fire protection in areas related to the energy transition.

The book also includes some instructions for Reducing fire risks Associated with new habits and lifestyles. It is recommended Avoid electrical overloadsEspecially with the increase in the number of connected devices in homes. Likewise, it is comfortable Use extreme caution with wood stoves, fireplaces and materials Which facilitates the spread of fire. It is also important to review the use of furniture, lighting and combustible elements on balconies and terraces, which can increase the fire load on the facades. Likewise, we remember the need Conduct periodic review of electrical installations.

In addition, experts have confirmed that one of the most effective elements for protecting homes is smoke detector, A simple but essential device that can alert passengers in time and save lives.

For his part, APTB President Carlos García Torreñán stressed “the absolute need to… Promoting training among citizens in general. All family members should know some minimum fire prevention guidelines and take the first action, always without taking risks, if a fire breaks out in the home, workplace or public institution.

Only one in four homes have smoke detectors

The MAPFRE Foundation conducted a brief survey of 2,004 people, over the age of 18, with the aim of finding out what proportion of Spanish homes have smoke detectors and what they think about them. Possible commitment to this device In their homes.

Among the conclusions stands out Three out of every four Spanish homes must improve their security In the event of a fire, as only one in four have smoke detectors. These devices are more common in the homes of young people (one in three) than in the homes of older people (less than one in five), indicating a generational gap in the field of prevention.

At the regional level, Andalusia (34%), Navarra (29%), and Asturias (28%) lead, compared to the Balearic Islands (11%) and La Rioja (13%), which have the lowest levels.

The Spaniards unanimously agreed on the mandatory nature of detection devices

Six out of ten interviewees think so They should be mandatory, a percentage that rises to 76% among those who already have them. Young people, women and those with higher incomes are the ones who support this measure the most, while only one in six people completely disagree with its implementation.

MAPFRE and APTB take this into account Installing a smoke detector is essential in every home Priority is given to vulnerable people. In addition, they note that another essential tool in firefighting, especially in buildings such as residences, are sprinklers, which are devices that automatically extinguish fires.