The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society reported that the state has had 75 fire fatalities so far in 2020, a 39% increase compared to 2019.
In West Michigan, three of those fatalities were reported in Branch County, two in Kalamazoo County and six in Kent County.
Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer said it’s important that people have a fire escape plan in place and practice the best way to get out of a building.
“A lot of people hear the smoke alarm go off and we’re so conditioned to go out our front or back door, the door we typically use," Sehlmeyer said. "They actually leave the bedroom and in many cases open the door to go down the hallway and never make it to the front door.”
The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society reported that 72% of victims in fatal fires are men and in 69% are people ages 40 to 79.