Last month will be remembered as the most deadly in years. Statistics compiled by Ed Comeau show a dramatic increase in significant multiple-fatality fires, compared to 2007 and 2008.
In January, 82 people died in these tragic blazes. Of those, 62 percent were children.
Comeau has compiled detailed statistics, including spreadsheets and maps of the incidents on his Significant Multiple-Fatality Fires blog.
Listen as Ed talks about this horrible trend with a panel of fire experts from across the country. His guests include:
• Dr. Denis Onieal, acting USFA Fire Administrator, discusses how the changing demographics in the United States are having an impact on the fires and the fire service.
• Chief Dennis Rubin from the Washington, DC, Fire and Emergency Services discusses the tragic fire that killed six people in Washington and the impact that it has on the community the department
• Maine State Fire Marshal John Dean (and past president of the National Association of State Fire Marshals) looks at the problem from both a state and national level
• Baltimore Fire Department Fire Marshal Ray O'Brocki gives an overview of the successful approach they have taken in Baltimore to combat fires and fire deaths
Please send any comments, suggestions or questions for Fire Marshal's Corner to: [email protected].
Related Links
• Six Perish in District of Columbia House Fire
• Baltimore Sees Drop in Fire Deaths in 2008
• Maps, Stats and More: Significant Multiple-Fatality Fires blog
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