Maine Sees it Deadliest Year Ever for Fires

According to Bangor Daily News, 2021 is the deadliest year for fires in Maine since 2014 with a total of 24 people dying. A recent fire blazed early this past Sunday morning and took the lives of three people in Bangor on Union Street.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal states on their website that an estimated 83% of fire deaths in Maine from 2011-2020 took place in the home. Maine fire deaths increased by 7 people from last year.

So how do you prevent a fire from happening in your home?

News Center Maine, posted an article highlighting tips to keep you and your family safe. Chandler Corriveau who is the Assistant Fire Chief of the Bangor Fire Department said

"Everybody thinks that it's never going to happen to them, but it can happen to anybody...and it happens in a split second,"

Fire spreads so terribly fast and it is vital to make sure you have protocols in place to keep you and your family safe.

It is imperative to regularly have working batteries in your smoke alarms and that you also have a carbon monoxide detector installed.

You should also check your functioning detectors at least twice a year.

The article also states that the most common fires in Maine are cooking-related. People will leave the stove on while they're cooking and not turn it off, due to forgetfulness.

He says the most deadly fires that we see result from smoking. Make sure that if you smoke inside, put it out properly or try to become an outside smoker to avoid starting a fire.

Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher in your home that all who live there are aware of and understand how to work if needed.

One of the most important things to do when preparing yourself is to educate yourself and your family. Teach your children how to call 911, have yearly fire drills, and map out exit routes in your home.

Early detection is critical so, if you have any questions on how to keep your family safe from fire please reach out to your local fire department, any question is a good question when you're being preventative!

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