Contributed report
This week, Oct. 9-15, is Fire Prevention Week and in Minnesota the emphasis is on reducing the number of smoking related fires.
Historically, smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), in 2020, smoking likely played a role in nearly one-third of the fire deaths. And seven of those 11 victims were over the age of 60. In fact, the average age of victims who died in smoking-related fires between 2009 and 2019 is 61.
In 2020, the State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD) announced that one of its goals was to reduce smoking-related fire deaths by 30 percent over the next five years. Smoking is a hard habit to break but it’s not hard to smoke outside and make sure your cigarette is properly extinguished.