Fire deaths across Michigan are up 144% this year compared to the same 34 days in 2021, according to state officials.The Michigan Fire Marshal and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Agency (LARA) are encouraging residents to use precautions to protect their families and homes against fires after the Bureau of Fire services recorded 18 accidental and preventable fires resulting in 22 deaths in January.
In 2021, 67% of the 107 fire fatalities in Michigan involved adults over the age of 40, according to the state agency. Most of these residential fires occurred in the evening with a majority starting in the living room or in a bedroom.
LARA reports the top three causes of fatal fires in 2021 were: smoking, heating devices such as space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces and cooking.
“It is important to talk about fire safety with our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors, and help them prepare their home to be more fire safe.” said Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “You can start with making sure they have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their home. Help develop a fire escape plan that takes into consideration any mobility issues they may have and practice the plan with them.”
