A methodology is outlined for collating fire fatality data from the Fire Incident Recording System and New Zealand Health Information Service and linking with coroners’ files to provide a comprehensive account of fire-related deaths in New Zealanders aged between 15 and 64 years in domestic fire incidents.

Mortality rates for people between the age of 65 and 74 years are consistent with that for younger adult age groups, but rates triple for each decade over the age of 75. The older age groups show increased mortality rates for women but this is consistent with the increased proportion of women in those age groups. Mortality rates are higher for Maori than for other New Zealanders aged 65 and over. A disproportionate number of victims in this age group lived alone. The most common location of origin for fatal fires was found to be bedrooms, followed by lounge and kitchen. Heating appliances were the main heat source with bedding the most common item ignited. The data highlights the high risk of fire in rest homes.