Baltimore Fire Deaths Drop To Record Low
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Baltimore fire officials say fire deaths in the city have dropped to the lowest level since record-keeping began in 1938. However, the city still ranks among the highest nationwide on a per capita basis.
The city recorded 17 fire deaths last year, down from the record high of 88 deaths set in 1984. Washington, meanwhile, lost six lives to fire last year, down from 11 the year before and 19 in 2009.
Baltimore recorded 2.69 deaths per 100,000 residents last year, compared to 2.13 for Philadelphia. Boston, New York and Los Angeles were all under 1 death per 100,000. Detroit had the highest rate at 5.1 per 100,000.
Fire Chief James S. Clack told The Baltimore Sun he was pleased, but the 17 deaths are still a tragedy.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
