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CONCORD, New Hampshire (WBZ NewsRadio) — The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal is urging residents to check to make sure their fire alarms are installed and working after several fire-related deaths since the start of 2023.
Since January, there have been seven fire-related deaths in New Hampshire, six died in connection to home fires and one died from a vehicle fire. In all of 2022, nine people died, Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey said.
In five of the six house fire cases in 2023, the Fire Marshal's office was unable to determine if the homes had working smoke alarms.
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"State Fire Marshal Toomey would like to remind all residents and visitors of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes. Homeowners should ensure they have alarms installed and test them regularly, preferably once a month, to make sure they are working properly," said the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety.
In each case except one, the fires occurred when people in the home were asleep. Half of the home fires that take place across the country happen when people are sleeping.
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