No fire-related deaths reported in Fayetteville in 2019

Jan. 28--The year 2019 marked the first year in a decade that the Fayetteville Fire Department reported no fire-related deaths, according to a news release.

Fire Marshal T.J. McLamb said a contributing factor was a rapid response time.

"Our work is not finished," McLamb said. "We still have work to do as it relates to educating the community on fire safety,"

Another key factor in fire safety is having a plan in place in the event of a fire, he said. Families should have a designated meeting place if a fire breaks out at their home.

McLamb said residents should have a smoke detector that is tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced at least once a year. Firefighters are available to install smoke alarms in homes free of charge, the release said.

North Carolina reported 117 fire-related deaths in 2019.

The Fayetteville Fire Department responded to more than 29,411 calls, 416 of them structure fires, the release said.

The department is rated Class 1 by the Insurance Services Office, a rating measured on how well a fire department can protect the community, the release said. Insurance companies use the rating to help set rates.

Any resident of Fayetteville can have a smoke alarm installed in a home by the Fire Department. For information, call the Fire Prevention Office at 910-433-1730.

Staff writer Melody Brown-Peyton can be reached at [email protected] or 910-486-3568.

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