Reduction in Fire-Related Admissions to a Large, Regional Burn Center After Prevention and Risk Mitigation Interventions

Residential fires remain a leading cause of severe burn-related injuries and fatalities, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions. Despite existing fire safety standards, limited resources in low-income communities hinder effective prevention. This study evaluates the impact of community-based fire risk-mitigation strategies on fire-related burn admissions in a high-poverty urban area. A retrospective review of all fire-related burn admissions to a regional burn center in Memphis, Tennessee, was conducted over a 5-year period (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024). Only incidents occurring within city limits were included to ensure consistent exposure to the same interventions. Patient demographics, burn characteristics, and clinical outcomes were analyzed annually. Interventions implemented included free smoke alarm installations ("Get Alarmed, TN!"), fire safety education ("Close the Door!"), and urban blight reduction efforts. Of 481 burn injuries admitted to a regional burn center in Memphis, 204 (42.4%) were fire-related. A significant reduction in fire-related admissions was observed after mid-2021 (from 58% in 2020 to 32.9% in 2023, P = .0003), without concurrent changes in demographics or injury severity. ZIP codes with poverty rates >30% saw the most substantial decline in injury rates, while less impoverished areas showed an opposite trend. Fire prevention initiatives were associated with a significant and sustained reduction in fire-related injuries in high-poverty areas. These findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted, low-cost interventions and highlight the importance of ongoing investment in fire safety education and infrastructure in socioeconomically vulnerable communities.