Baltimore City recorded a 44 percent decrease in fire-related deaths last year, a drop officials attributed to implementation of a fire safety and prevention campaign.
Thirty-four people died in house fires in 2007, compared with 19 last year, according to data released Wednesday by Mayor Sheila Dixon. Most fatal fires were caused by food left unattended on a stove, improper discarding of smoking materials, or overloaded electrical outlets, officials said.
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In some cases, fire investigators determined that smoke detectors were missing batteries.
“We are glad to see the public take a proactive role with fire safety in their homes,” Baltimore Fire Chief James Clack said in a statement. “However we still have quite a ways to go. Our ultimate goal is to have zero fire deaths in the city of Baltimore.”
Since 2004, city firefighters have gone door-to-door to speak with residents about smoke alarms, offering to help create home evacuation plans and perform inspections for potential fire hazards, officials said. The fire department also implemented the “Inspector Detector Program,” which sends fire inspectors to schools to educate children, and the “Juvenile Fire Setters Program” to educate students who have engaged in fire play out of curiosity about the dangers.
The city is encouraging residents in need of a smoke alarm to visit their local fire station or call 410-396-7283.
