DPS: 2020 had highest number of Minnesota fire deaths since 2017

DPS said smoking (7) was the leading cause of fatal fires in the state, with gas-related explosions (6) being second followed by cooking (5). 

At least seven people died in smoking-related fires last year, although that's the lowest number since seven deaths in 2016. DPS said five people died in cooking-related fires in 2020, which is the highest in the past five years.

DPS offered the following tips to avoid smoking- and cooking-related fires.

• Smoke outside and extinguish cigarettes in a sturdy ashtray filled with sand or water.  
• Do not discard cigarettes in potted plants, leaves, mulch or other vegetation.  
• Do not smoke while on oxygen. 
• Avoid smoking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended. 
• Stay and look while you cook. Have something in the oven and need to leave the kitchen? Set a timer and bring it with you.
• Keep items like oven mitts, aprons, paper towels and anything else that can burn at least 3 feet from heat sources in the kitchen.

People 50 years of age or older accounted for 68% of those killed in Minnesota fires last year, and 23% of victims had alcohol in their systems, according to DPS. Of the 53 deaths, 36 happened in a home or business, and 22% of those didn't have a working smoke alarm.

"There are many little things we can do to prevent a devastating fire from happening in our homes," State Fire Marshal Jim Smith said. "It is important to practice fire prevention and safety every day."