BALTIMORE (AP) — Fire officials say fire deaths in Maryland for the first six months of 2012 are down from the same period last year.

State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard said Monday that there have been 22 fire deaths in Maryland from January through June of this year, compared with 28 during the same period last year.

However, Barnard warned residents to remain vigilant. He pointed out that combustibles too close to a heat sourced according to most fire-related deaths this year, followed by vehicle crash fires.

Barnard added that working smoke alarms should be located on every level of the home and in each sleeping area. They should be tested monthly and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)