Fire Deaths Jump in Minnesota

SAINT PAUL- According to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, fire deaths in Minnesota have jumped to the highest since 2002.

According to the release, 57 people died in fires last year in Minnesota. That is the highest number of fire fatalities since 2002 when 64 were killed.

The number one cause of fatal fires last year in Minnesota was careless smoking, recording nine deaths. Other causes included unattended cooking, suicide, and arson. Twenty-four fire deaths were recorded as undetermined causes.

The numbers in 2015 represent nearly a 30 percent increase over the 44 fatalities in both 2014 and 2013.

Fire Deaths since 2000

• 2014: 44
• 2013: 44
• 2012: 50
• 2011: 56
• 2010: 39
• 2009: 35
• 2008: 52
• 2007: 40
• 2006: 46
• 2005: 41
• 2004: 43
• 2002: 64
• 2001: 47
• 2000: 51

How  Minnesotans keep themselves and their families safe:

Cooking

• Never leave a hot stovetop or oven unattended.

Smoking

• If you smoke, smoke outside.
• Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. Place it away from anything that can burn.
• Do not discard cigarettes in potted plants, leaves, mulch or other vegetation.
• Make sure cigarette butts are completely extinguished. Use a metal container filled with water or sand.

 Heating

• Keep space heaters three feet from anything combustible.
• Do not leave space heaters unattended, and turn them off while you’re sleeping.

Open flames

• Leave three feet between a candle and anything that can burn; use flameless candles.

Numbers were finalized once Minnesota hospital officials report their information to the Minnesota Department of Public Health.