The Office of the State Fire Marshal has released its 2024 Annual Fire Fatality Report, providing a detailed and transparent look into fire-related deaths across Maryland. The report has been completely redesigned for 2024, offering easy-to-read graphics, interactive data visuals, and a comprehensive breakdown of each fatality by county and Baltimore City.

 

In total, 73 fire-related deaths were recorded in Maryland during 2024. The report includes insights on contributing factors such as the absence of working smoke alarms, heating sources, age demographics, and time of day.

 

This new version of the report prioritizes accessibility and clarity, aiming better to inform the public, first responders, and policymakers. "Our goal is not just to report numbers, but to tell the stories behind the statistics—to learn from every tragic incident and prevent future loss of life," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. "The redesigned report makes it easier than ever for the public to see where and how these incidents occur. Transparency and education are vital in our mission to make Maryland safer."

 

Key features of the 2024 report include:

• County-by-county breakdowns, including Baltimore City

• Color-coded charts showing trends over the past five years

• Detailed case summaries with contributing causes and circumstances

• Comparative data on residential, vehicle, and outdoor fire deaths

• Highlighted safety messages and prevention tips

 

One of the Office of the State Fire Marshal's most impactful recent developments is the launch of "Get Alarmed Maryland" a public-facing portal that allows residents to request smoke alarms directly through our office.This enhanced campaign is complemented by a new tracking system that collects vital data to better inform and target future fire prevention campaigns. To further enhance our capabilities, the OSFM has recently acquired new Records Management System (RMS) software to support our inspection and engineering operations. This, along with the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), will allow a unified system that captures comprehensive fire incident data from start to finish. With these advancements, the Office of the State Fire Marshal anticipates even greater accuracy and efficiency in data collection, analysis, and response planning.

The OSFM encourages our partners in fire investigations and inspections, fire service personnel, and Marylanders to review the report and consider the critical role fire safety plays in their homes and communities. Working smoke alarms, practiced escape plans, and fire-safe behavior can significantly reduce the risk of tragedy.