The number of people who died in Minnesota fires rose 14% from 2018 to 2019, or five people, according to the state Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division.
Last year 42 people died in fires in the state.
The numbers are still preliminary as hospital officials continue to report information to the Department of Health.
Smoking was the leading cause of fatal fires in Minnesota last year, according to the Department of Public Safety's news release. And careless smoking was the leading cause of fire deaths each year from 2009 to 2019.
At least seven people died in smoking-related fires last year, according to the department. The state recommends smoking outside and extinguishing cigarettes in sturdy trays with sand or water.
Most people — 67% — who died fire-related deaths last year were older than 49.