Prevention Credited for Drop in Baltimore Fire Deaths

Baltimore fire officials say fire deaths were down last year, and they are crediting prevention and safety efforts.

Fire officials say 19 fire deaths were recorded in the city in 2008, down from 34 the year before. Officials note the drop has coincided with an increase in fire safety and prevention efforts.

Fire officials say most fires are related to food left unattended on a stove, improperly discarded smoking materials, overloaded electrical outlets and combustible materials left too close to a heat source.