FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 3, 1999
NEWS FROM: State Fire Marshal: 99-101
Lack of Smoke Detectors Remains A Problem
Fire-related fatalities in Nevada were down more than 14% in 1998. Fire claimed 24 lives last year, compared with 28 in 1997. The City of Las Vegas suffered the highest number of fatalities, while many other cities and counties experienced none.
1998 Nevada Civilian Fire-Related Fatalities
as reported by agencies listed
| Las Vegas Fire Department | 9 |
| Clark County Fire Department | 5 |
| Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District | 4 |
| City Of Reno | 1 |
| State Fire Marshal Rural Jurisdictions | 5 |
| 1998 Total | 24 |
According to Deputy State Fire Marshal Dennis Ely, of the five fatalities which occurred within the state's jurisdiction, only one home had a working smoke detector.
"It is very important to test your smoke detectors and change the batteries each spring and fall when you are changing your clocks for daylight savings time," says Ely.
Many Nevada cities and counties now require smoke detectors in every room, except the kitchen and bathrooms, of a new or remodeled home. Check with your local building officials.
The State Fire Marshal provides investigation support and fire training for rural fire departments, inspects schools and other public buildings for fire safety, and regulates the use of fire safety equipment, commercial fireworks displays and the non-mining uses of explosives in Nevada.
For more information, contact Deputy State Fire Marshal Dennis Ely at (775) 687-4290.
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