The state fire marshal is stressing fire safety after an unusually deadly January across Illinois. 21 people lost their lives in fires around the state last month… that’s one fourth of the entire total of fire deaths in Illinois in 2017.
Fire Marshal Matt Perez says the main causes of fatal fires are problems with home heating units and careless use of smoking materials.
Officials say having working smoke detectors and an emergency escape plan are your best protection in the event of fire.