State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers announced Thursday that Ohio had fewer fire deaths in 2013 than in any single year over the last 27 years. The number of fire-related fatalities dropped for the third consecutive year, continuing a trend that fire officials and first responders hope to build upon.
During the 2013 calendar year, 103 fire-related fatalities were recorded by the Division of State Fire Marshal through reports from Ohio’s fire departments, the State Fire Marshal’s Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau and the media. The previous low of 106 fire-related fatalities occurred in 2012. There were 128 fire-related fatalities in 2011 and 155 fire-related fatalities in 2010.
State Fire Marshal Flowers attributes the reduction in fire fatalities to fire safety education programs, innovative training for Ohio’s firefighters at the Ohio Fire Academy and other fire training schools across the state and the efforts of legislators and state officials. The state budget passed in June by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor John R. Kasich contained many new provisions to help Ohio’s first responders safeguard Ohioans’ lives and property.
Marshal Flowers said he is still concerned the message about working smoke alarms hasn’t reached everyone. Many of Ohio’s fire-related fatalities occurred in homes with no confirmed working smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” said Marshal Flowers. “The efforts of Ohio’s first responders, educators, journalists and citizens are paying off, but we have to keep up the push to let people know that working smoke alarms and an escape plan with at least two ways out will reduce fire deaths.”
The Division of State Fire Marshal recommends working smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside each sleeping area. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and alkaline batteries should be replaced twice a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In addition to smoke alarms, families should have and practice a home fire escape plan with multiple exit routes and should establish a safe meeting place outside the home.
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