How to Request BMS Datasets

Annually Published Public Dataset

  1. Click the link under the heading Public Access, below
  2. Agree to the data use agreement terms
  3. Download the dataset

Custom Dataset

(Watch this Webinar to Learn More)

  1. Formulate your research question(s) and hypotheses. Review the list of papers already published (https://burndata.washington.edu/pubs) or in progress (https://burndata.washington.edu/publications-progress) to make sure your research questions have not already been addressed.
  2. Review the variables in the database using the BMS data dictionary. Pay close attention to whether the variables you are interested in are available at the time points of interest;
  3. Download and fill out a Data Request and Use Agreement Form. Email the completed forms to the BMS NDSC at burndata@uw.edu.
  4. The BMS reviews the scientific purpose and scientific overlap with existing projects and approves the request (typically within 2 weeks).
  5. Once approved, the BMS NDSC will provide a de-identified dataset and assist with any questions you have about the dataset free of charge.
  6. Provide annual updates on progress of the project, and an updated anticipated completion date.

Ready to request data? Read this info sheet for more information!

For Researchers Interested in the Data

Please review the list of publications in progress and any previously published manuscripts before you request BMS data to avoid duplication. To gain access to the data please follow the simple procedures described in this data access fact sheet (pdf download).

When you request data you will need to have an understanding of the variables included in the dataset, including how they are coded and when they were collected. The BMS Data Dictionary contains all of this information. To see what the paper surveys look like, along with the related variable names, you can view the current BMS Codebook (PDF) that consists of the newest BMS data collection forms (data collection begun in 2023).

Because it’s a long term project (data has been collected since 1993) that has changed over time, using the BMS database can be complicated.

We have a PowerPoint presentation that guides you through the BMS Data Dictionary and provides more information about using the database.

As an additional tool, you may review an overview (PDF) of what variables have been collected at which time points since 1993.

Ready to request a customized dataset? Fill out this form and send it to burndata@uw.edu.

BMS Webinars

Check out the BMS Webinar Series for more information on accessing and using the BMS, as well as further details about the data collected by the BMS.

Public Access

You can obtain a free public version of the dataset by filling out the form at https://is.gd/bmspublicdataset . This dataset was posted on July 30th, 2024, and contains data collected from 1993 through the end of 2021.