Number of fire deaths drop
Published 9:15 am Monday, January 4, 2010
The number of people killed in Minnesota fires dropped in 2009.
Last year 32 people died in fires, which is 20 fewer than in 2008. It’s also the lowest number since the state started keeping record.
There were no fire fatalities in St. Paul for the first time in decades.
City fire marshal Steve Zaccard credits the department’s rapid response time and aggressive firefighting tactics. He tells KSTP-TV that firefighters are trained paramedics so if someone is badly injured they can give lifesaving treatment.
He also credits the drop to a decline in smoking and an increase in inspections and public safety education.