Fire deaths in 2025 more than doubled in Arkansas compared to the previous year, making it the deadliest year since 2016, the state fire marshal said Friday.
According to a press release sent by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office marking National Fire Prevention Month, 50 people have perished from fire-related deaths so far this year – mostly in homes without smoke detectors. It marks “a continuing rise of fire-related fatalities” after four years of consistent decreases, the release said.
27 people died as a result of fires in 2024, the release said.
Functioning smoke detectors can raise survival chances by 60%, Eddie Anderson, a community risk reduction specialist with the fire marshal’s office, said in the statement.
The release said that Arkansas’ fire fatality rates are “higher than the national average, particularly in residential structures, where most fire deaths occur.”
“Smoke detectors save lives,” Anderson said.
The fire marshal’s office said Arkansans should install smoke detectors on each floor of their home, “especially inside bedrooms and just outside all sleeping areas.” Alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they work, and batteries should be changed every year.
The release also said people should ensure children know what to do and where to go in case of a fire. Households should practice their fire drill “at least twice a year, including during the night and with all members of your household.”
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