Mayor reports number of civilian fire deaths in the city near record low

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday that the number of civilian fire deaths is the lowest its been in 85 years.

According to the mayor, 81 people in the city have died in fires in 2004. That number includes the deaths of two children in Kingsbridge Heights. Fire officials credit fast response times and better training with helping to keep the number low.

The mayor reminded residents to be careful during the holiday, especially with Christmas trees. He said keep them watered and away from heat sources. The mayor also said never leave candles unattended, never smoke in bed and never heat a home with an oven. Most importantly, he urged residents to test their smoke detectors.