State officials say fire-related deaths in Vermont have been gradually dropping in large part due to fire safety awareness efforts.
The Brattleboro Reformer reported Monday seven people died in a fire last year compared to 22 in 2000 and 18 in 2003.
There have been less than nine fire-related deaths from 2006 to 2015.
Bruce Martin, regional manager for the state Division of Fire Safety says Vermont used to consistently rank within the top 10 in states with the highest per-capita death rate.
Martin says fire officials have been promoting smoke-alarm usage.
The state since 2005 has required carbon-monoxide alarms in buildings where people sleep. Every residence must have photoelectric smoke alarms.
Officials say people should install smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and close their bedroom doors at night.
Information from: Brattleboro Reformer
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