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Recent Fatal House Fires in Flint Demonstrate Importance of Working Smoke Alarms

In recent days, Flint has experienced multiple fatal fires including Monday morning’s tragedy that killed five people. The Bureau of Fire Services reports that Michigan has experienced 55 fatal home fires in 2022 that have resulted in 68 deaths. That’s a 16% increase in deaths year to date as compared to the 2017-2021 average.

“Those 68 deaths are 68 too many,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “These deadly fires are all too common and often preventable. Michiganders must work together to prevent future fire deaths.”

Monday morning’s fire in Flint occurred in a home without working smoke alarms. This is the second fatal fire in recent weeks in Flint that occurred in a home without smoke alarms. According to the Flint Fire Department, three children and their two parents were victims, and a fourth child is hospitalized after jumping from a second story window to escape the blaze.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of this fire and their loved ones,” said Fire Marshal Sehlmeyer. “On behalf of the Bureau of Fire Services, I would like to offer our condolences to the victims’ family, the Flint community, as well as the members of the Flint Fire Department.”

Unfortunately, the lack of working smoke alarms is a common thread among many of the 55 fatal fires that have taken place across Michigan in 2022. The Fire Marshal recommends having a smoke alarm in every bedroom and on every level of the home to alert your family in the event of a fire.

In addition to having working smoke alarms, the Fire Marshal encourages Michiganders to have a home fire escape plan that the entire family has practiced that includes having two ways out of every room and a designated meeting spot away from the house.

Let’s all work together to prevent future fire deaths. If you need smoke alarms and have a financial hardship, please contact your local fire department. MI Prevention has a program to supply fire departments with smoke alarms to install. For more fire safety information, please visit the MI Prevention website at: www.miprevention.org.