January fire deaths up 144% in Michigan, fire marshal says

(WWJ) -- When it comes to fires, Michigan is off to a deadly start in 2022.

Michigan's fire-related deaths rose significantly in January as the state began the year with 144% more deadly fires compared to the same month in 2021, the state's fire marshal and department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced in a news release Friday.

The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services recorded 18 fires and 22 associated deaths last month.

The most tragic of the January fires was on Jan. 17 at a home in Pontiac where two men died and five were left injured.

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Fire marshals said that the 22 deaths "were all accidental and all preventable."

Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer said state residents need to increase their awareness of fire safety precautions.

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“It is important to talk about fire safety with our parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors, and help them prepare their home to be more fire safe,” Sehlmeyer said in a statement.

Michiganders need to make sure their homes have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as a fire escape plan in place, said Sehlmeyer