Fire Deaths Increase in 2011 | People

2011 saw a big jump in the number of Minnesotans that died in fires.

The state fire marshal says at least 51 people were killed in fires across the state last year.

That's a 31% jump compared to 2010.

Drugs or alcohol were a factor in 16 of those fire deaths and 12 people were killed in fires caused by careless smoking or unattended candles.