Fire Deaths Drop to Zero in the City of Savannah

SAVANNAH, GA (Tuesday, April 20, 2021) – For the first time in a decade there were zero fire fatalities in the City of Savannah. In 2020 the Savannah Fire Department responded to 920 fires. None of those fires resulted in death. A total of 41 Savannahians died from injuries sustained in fires between 2011 and 2019. The last four years were the deadliest, with an average of nearly six fire deaths per year. But thanks to the Savannah Fire Department’s successful fire prevention and safety education efforts, Savannah no longer has the highest per capita fire fatality rate in Georgia.

“Despite the increased number of people working and studying from home in 2020, fire incidents are down, and we made it through a tumultuous year without a single fire-related death,” said Savannah Fire Department Chief Derik Minard. “That’s a testament to the quality of our fire response and our dedication to fire prevention and education.”  

In 2020 the Savannah Fire Department expanded its business and community partnerships to ensure that smoke alarms, batteries, fire prevention materials, virtual fire safety tours and virtual demonstrations were available to citizens of all ages, at no cost. Despite the pandemic, Savannah Firefighters were able to offer everything from smoke alarm and battery installation services to online school visits and virtual fire extinguisher lessons. Additionally, the Fire Marshal’s Office quickly adapted to pandemic-related challenges and maintained a seamless delivery of proactive fire prevention and life safety code enforcement services. The Fire Marshal’s office is instrumental in educating customers and addressing fire risks in public buildings.

For more information on the Savannah Fire Department’s fire prevention services, call 912-644-5957.

Fires & Fire-related Fatalities

2020: 920 fires, 0 deaths

2019: 941 fires, 5 deaths

2018: 905 fires, 7 deaths

2017: 927 fires, 5 deaths

2016: 1,154 fires, 6 deaths

2015: 846 fires, 2 deaths

2014: 884 fires, 3 deaths

2013: 811 fires, 3 deaths

2012: 1,017 fires, 7 deaths

2011: 1,035 fires, 3 deaths

2010: 1,001 fires, 0 deaths