New York, NY – New York City has achieved the lowest number of civilian fire deaths in its history.
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The city had 58 fire deaths in 2012. That’s four fewer than the previous record low of 62 set in 2010.
It also has recorded its fastest average ambulance response time for life-threatening medical emergencies. It’s exactly 6½ minutes — a second faster than in 2011.
The 2012 figures were announced Wednesday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano.
Bloomberg calls 2012 “a historic year for public safety.”
Years ago, the New York City Fire Department, would make annual, unannounced inspections of residential homes, to check for potential fire hazards. I don’t think that this is being done any longer.
Fire deaths are down and have been going down for years. Building codes, sprinklers and better materials have really helped. Odd how we never have the political will to cut the fire departments.