Minnesota reported 42 fire-related deaths in 2004, the lowest per capita total on record, and the continuation of a downward trend over the years, according to the state Department of Public Safety's Fire Marshal Division.

This year is running even lower than last year with only five fire-related deaths so far. In 2004, there were 17 fire deaths by the end of March.

The Minnesota fire-related death toll fell 19 percent from 1980 to 1990 and 24 percent from 1990 to 2000.

"The trend is encouraging, and it shows that fire safety inspections, improved fire codes and public education are paying off,'' said State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl. "But we must remember that most of these fires could have been prevented by the most basic safety measures, and we're still 42 deaths above where we need to be."

The highest death total on record was 134 in 1976. The lowest death total in the 30 years of records was 41 in 1987, but the Minnesota population was smaller than in 2004, so last year had a lower per capita death total.

As in past years, careless smoking was at the top of the list of causes of fire fatalities in 2004. The use of flammable liquids was ranked second on the list of causes.

Five of the deaths occurred in Minneapolis and two were in St. Paul. Two fire deaths already have occurred in St. Paul this year.

The five fire-related deaths in Minnesota by the end of March this year compares with 23 in the same period of 1999, 10 in 2000, 12 in 2001, 22 in 2002, 11 in 2003 and 17 in 2004.

"That's certainly a good number so far this year, but that can change in one fell swoop with a major fire with significant fatalities,'' said Robert Dahm, who compiles the numbers for the Fire Marshal Division.

The deadliest months for fire fatalities are usually November through March, which includes the holidays and the heating season.