Civilian Fire Deaths Soaring Toward Record in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Fourteen people have died in fires in Cleveland this year, the city’s highest fire death toll in nearly two decades.

The number of victims is double the seven from last year, and it is the worst year since 2006, when 25 people died. Fire officials fear the city is heading toward its worst season for blazes, as people tend to use more space heaters and overload electrical circuits.

The deaths included Markita Smith, 42, and Mary Smith, 71, who died in an apartment at East 91st and Wade Park Avenue earlier this month in a fire caused by candles, officials said.

In June, Cordale Sheffield, 30, died after an explosion at Rainbow Terrace Apartments. It destroyed 44 units and displaced more than 120 residents at the complex on East 70th Street and Garden Valley Avenue in Cleveland’s Kinsman neighborhood.

The rise in 2025 fire fatalities comes after two decades of declining deaths in Cleveland and nationwide. There are several reasons: more flame-resistant construction materials, higher-quality smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, wider installation of sprinkler systems and improved medical care for burn victims.

Cleveland fire officials are urging residents to check their smoke alarms this weekend when they turn back their clocks for the end of daylight saving time Sunday morning.

“A house fire is often a race against the clock,” said Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman. “Early notification from a working smoke alarm gives residents time to escape and enables firefighters to arrive in time to minimize the damage to the house and contents. Every second counts.”

Smoke alarms should be located on every floor of the house, including the basement and in rooms where people sleep.

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