BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal has released its 2024 Annual Fire Fatality Report, featuring a complete redesign that offers interactive graphics and county-level breakdowns to enhance public understanding of fire-related deaths across the state.
The report details 73 fire-related fatalities recorded in Maryland during 2024. It provides insights into contributing factors such as the absence of working smoke alarms, heating sources, age demographics, and the time of day incidents occurred.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray stated that the new version prioritizes accessibility and clarity to better inform the public, first responders, and policymakers. “Our goal is not just to report numbers, but to tell the stories behind the statistics—to learn from every tragic incident and prevent future loss of life,” Mowbray said. “The redesigned report makes it easier than ever for the public to see where and how these incidents occur. Transparency and education are vital in our mission to make Maryland safer.”
Key features of the 2024 report include:
- County-by-county breakdowns, including Baltimore City.
- Color-coded charts illustrating trends over the past five years.
- Detailed case summaries outlining contributing causes and circumstances.
- Comparative data on residential, vehicle, and outdoor fire deaths.
- Highlighted safety messages and prevention tips.
In addition to the report, the Office of the State Fire Marshal recently launched “Get Alarmed Maryland,” a public portal allowing residents to directly request smoke alarms. This initiative is supported by a new tracking system that collects data to inform future fire prevention campaigns.
To further enhance data capabilities, the OSFM has acquired new Records Management System (RMS) software for inspection and engineering operations. This, combined with the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), will create a unified system for comprehensive fire incident data collection, analysis, and response planning.
The OSFM urges fire investigation and inspection partners, fire service personnel, and Maryland residents to review the report and recognize the critical role of fire safety in their homes and communities. The agency emphasizes that working smoke alarms, practiced escape plans, and fire-safe behavior can significantly reduce the risk of tragedy.
The full 2024 Fire Fatality Annual Report is available for public download here (PDF).
