STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE URGES RESIDENTS TO INSTALL, MAINTAIN SMOKE DETECTORS
June 30, 2025
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office reports a concerning rise in fire-related fatalities in 2025. As of today, 34 deaths have been recorded, surpassing the total of 27 fire-related fatalities in 2024.
Arkansas fire deaths in recent years:
- 38 in 2021
- 35 in 2022
- 34 in 2023
State Fire Marshal’s Community Risk Reduction Specialist Eddie Anderson attributes the majority of these tragic deaths to the absence of working smoke detectors in homes. “You only have 2 to 3 minutes to get out of a home if a fire occurs,” Anderson said. “Having a working smoke detector increases your chances of surviving a house fire by 60 percent. Not having one could put you and your family in danger.”
The Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents to:
- Install smoke detectors on every level of their homes, especially inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
- Test smoke detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly.
- Replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year or immediately when the low battery warning sounds.
- Replace smoke detectors every 10 years or according to manufacturer recommendations.
Fire safety remains a critical priority in Arkansas. Recent data indicate that Arkansas’ fire fatality rates per 1,000 fires are higher than the national average, particularly in residential structures, where most fire deaths occur.
“Smoke detectors save lives,” Anderson emphasized. “We encourage all Arkansans to take this simple, life-saving step to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
About the Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office:
The Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is dedicated to reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities through education, enforcement, and emergency response coordination. Working with the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, the office promotes fire safety awareness and prevention statewide.