Philly Fire Deaths Down in 2007

Fewer people dead, injured in fires in Philadelphia in 2006

The number of people who died in fires in Philadelphia was down last year.

The Philadelphia Fire Department has released the city’s fire statistics for 2007. Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says 46 people died in fires in 2007, a 10 percent decrease from 2006.

Ayers credits education programs and the increased distribution of smoke alarms.

The commissioner says Philadelphia also saw a 34 percent decrease in injuries from fires, but there was an increase in fires started by people who smoked in bed.

The Fire Department distributes smoke detectors to all who ask for them.

Source: Hadas Kuznits/KYW-AM