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The 2017 totals for Florida Fire Incidents have been tallied and we’d like to share some statistics with you. In 2017 there were a total of 52,895 fires and a total of 2,042,876 EMS and other emergency calls across the state. Lee County was responsible for responding to 1,864 of the total fires and 63,307 of the EMS and emergency calls. With these numbers it is easy to see how in Florida a fire department responds every 22 seconds to an EMS call which occurs every 29 seconds or a fire which occurs every 8 minutes and 7 seconds.

These numbers are encouraging and I must commend Florida and San Carlos Park Fire District’s Fire Prevention staff for their work towards reducing the number of fires that occur in our great state.  Education and inspection have led to smoke alarms being present in 37 percent of reported structure fires with 51 percent of those operational. Unfortunately, 42 percent of the structure fires did not have a smoke alarm present.  Please remember, not all fires are preventable but a working smoke alarm can alert you in time to save your life and the lives of the ones you hold most dear.  Take the time this month, and each month thereafter to assure your smoke alarm is in working order.  If you need assistance installing or checking smoke alarms in your home please contact San Carlos Park Fire District at 239-267-7525.