FDNY: June 2015 Marks 1st Month in 150 Years With No Fire Deaths in NYC

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) announced that the month of June 2015 marked the first month on record in FDNY’s 150-year history without any reported fire-related fatalities in New York City.

“This achievement is a testament to the outstanding performance by our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs to quickly respond to fires and treat the injured, as well as the extensive work by our Fire Safety Education Unit to educate the public on ways to prevent fires and remain fire safe,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said on July 1.

“The historic reduction in fire-related deaths over the last several years clearly demonstrates the Department’s efforts are making a significant impact and saving lives in communities throughout the city,” the commissioner said.

To date, there have been 29 fire-related deaths in New York City in 2015, according to FDNY. Last year, there were 71 fire-related fatalities in the city. During the last five years, fewer New Yorkers have died in fires than in any comparable five-year period since accurate record-keeping began in 1916, FDNY said.

The record highest number of fire deaths in New York City was 310 in 1970.