Oregon Recorded 50 Fire-Related Deaths in 2014

The Oregon state fire marshal says there were 50 fire-related deaths in the state in 2014. That’s the most since the 53 fire fatalities in 2008.

Fire Marshal Jim Walker calls the increase disheartening. He says the top three causes of residential fire-related fatalities were smoking, combustibles too near a heat source and cooking.

Residential fires accounted for 34 of the deaths. The other 16 fatalities involved such things as motor homes, outdoor fires and motor vehicle accidents involving fire.

Walker urges residents to have working smoke alarms on every level of their home and in each bedroom. He also recommends smoking outside if you smoke, staying in the kitchen when you cook and keeping combustible items at least three feet from heat sources.