The Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office reports a troubling increase in fire-related deaths this year, with 34 fatalities recorded as of Junealready surpassing the 27 deaths reported in all of 2024.
Recent yearly totals show a continued high number of fire fatalities across the state: 38 in 2021, 35 in 2022, and 34 in 2023. State officials say many of these deaths could have been prevented.
Community Risk Reduction Specialist Eddie Anderson said the majority of fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke detectors. “You only have 2 to 3 minutes to escape a house fire,” Anderson said. “A working smoke detector increases your chances of survival by 60 percent.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to install smoke detectors on every level of their homes, especially near sleeping areas, test them monthly, replace batteries annually, and replace the entire unit every 10 years.
Arkansas continues to have higher-than-average fire fatality rates, especially in residential fires.
“Smoke detectors save lives,” Anderson said. “This simple step can protect you and your family.”
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