State Fire Marshal Promotes Smoke Alarms, Home Escape Plans And Residential Fire Sprinklers

Fire Marshal William E. Barnard reports a decrease in the number of fire deaths from January through June in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.  Twenty-two Marylanders have lost their lives to fire compared to twenty-eight last year during the same period of time.  This represents a 21% decrease in fire fatalities.

“Maryland’s fire service is cautiously optimistic with this year’s data, however, everyone must remain vigilant in fire prevention to continue this trend,” stated State Fire Marshal Barnard.  “An estimated 73% of all structure fires in Maryland occur in what most assume to be the safest place, our homes.”

Fires attributed to combustibles too close to a heat source resulted in more fire related deaths than other known causes of fire during this period.  At present, six people have died in ‘combustibles too close’ related fires.  This is followed by vehicle crash fires with the deaths of three people.  Two people, including a two-year old female, perished in two kitchen fires during the same time period.  This year, nine adults and a three-year old girl died between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., which accounts for an estimated 46% of fire deaths during the first six months of this year.  Six fires claimed the lives of seven people between the hours of 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. during the same time period.

Sixteen people died in thirteen residential structure fires during the first six months of 2012.  Smoke alarms were known to have been functioning properly in five residential structure fires where five victims perished.  Four deaths occurred in three fires where smoke alarms were present but their operation was undetermined.  Three victims died in fires where smoke alarms were present but did not operate and two deaths occurred where no smoke alarms were present. 

 

To help survive a home fire, the State Fire Marshal recommends the following:

  • Working smoke alarms should be located on every level of the home and in each sleeping area.

  • Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

  • Develop a home escape plan with a safe meeting place outside and practice the plan with all family members at least twice a year.

  • According to the U. S. Fire Administration, smo