SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, October 1, 2018) – Structure Fires are on the rise locally so Savannah Fire is hosting a series of fire safety education activities during Fire Prevention Month. Fire Prevention Week 2018 is October 7 – 13. However, Savannah Fire is conducting fire safety talks at schools and community meetings throughout the Month of October.

During the first eight months of 2018 there were 162 building fires in the City of Savannah, including 7 fire-related fatalities. That’s about 11% of all Georgia fire deaths since January. So Savannah Fire and the National Fire Protection Association is reminding residents to look, listen and learn during Fire Prevention Week 2018. The goals of the Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere™,” is to educate the public about ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.
 
During the first eight months of 2017, there were just 123 structure fires in Savannah. Compared to the same time period over the last five years, structure fires dramatically increased during the first eight months of 2018.

January to August Building Fires
2018 – 162 fires – 7 deaths
2017- 123 fires – 4 deaths
2016- 148 fires – 4 deaths
2015- 102 fires – 1 death
2014 – 119 fires – 3 deaths
2013 – 110 fires – *3 deaths for the entire year
*(month to month data is not available)

Four out of five U.S. fire deaths occur at home. Savannah’s 2018 fires have been particularly tragic. Five of the fires this year have claimed the lives of seven people, including three children.

2018 Fire Fatalities
A man died from injuries sustained in a January 12, 2018 fire on Augusta Avenue.
A mother and daughter died from injuries suffered in a March 11, 2018 fire in the Kingstown Apartments.
On March 8, 2018 a man died in a house fire on Cottingham Drive.
Two siblings died from injuries suffered in the Graydon Street Fire on May 30, 2018.
A woman died from fire-related injuries suffered in an August 2^nd fire on East 32^nd Street.

The following steps can help people escape a fire, and prevent further tragedy:

·        Look for places fire could start
·        Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm
·        Learn Two ways out of every room

 “Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Savannah Fire Public Information Officer Jenel Few. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If an alarm system sounds, take it seriously and immediately exit the building.”

For fire prevention tips and information throughout the Month of October visit Savannah Fire on Facebook, on Twitter @savannahfire, and online at www.savannahfire.org. To schedule a free Fire Prevention demonstration schools, community groups and organizations should call 912-644-5957.