Oregon’s 50 fire-related deaths hit six-year high

Fifty Oregonians lost their lives due to fire-related injuries in 2014, officials said Friday, the highest count in six years.

The 2014 tally was the most since 53 fire fatalities in 2008.

Residential fires accounted for 34 of the 50 deaths. The 16 non-residential fatalities occurred in incidents involving motor homes, outdoor fires, motor vehicle accidents involving fire, and other situations.

“All fatalities are tragic,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “But to see this increase is disheartening. Our agency works very hard at educating Oregonians about fire safety and prevention intended to keep themselves and their families safer from the threat of fire.”

The top three causes of residential fire-related fatalities were smoking, combustibles to close to a heat source, and cooking.

“Although we can educate and provide information, ultimately fire safety is a personal responsibility,” Walker added.

Of all fire fatalities, males were more than twice as likely to be a victim as females (35 male deaths vs. 15 female deaths). Adults 50 and older accounted for more than half (28) of total fatalities. Six of the fatalities were under the age of 18.

Residents are encouraged to:
* Have working smoke alarms on every level of their home, outside each sleeping area, and in each bedroom.
* If you smoke, smoke outside.
* When cooking, watch what you heat and stay in the kitchen when using the stove top.
* Always keep things that can catch fire at least three feet away from sources of heat.

In addition to the fatalities, there were 214 civilian injuries, 124 firefighter injuries, and more than $128 million in property damage.

All data is as reported by local fire agencies as of February 17, 2015.