Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Toledo area

The Ohio State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers announced Monday that the state's fire fatalities hit a 25-year low in 2011.

According to Flowers, the number of fire-related fatalities dropped nearly 18% from 2010 to 2011.

During the 2011 calendar year, 126 fire-related fatalities were recorded compared to the 153 fire-related fatalities reported in 2010.

The previous low of 130 fire-related fatalities occurred in 2007.

"Smoke alarms are proven to save lives," State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers said.

"I'm pleased by the efforts of Ohio's first responders, educators, journalists and citizens in raising awareness of the need for working smoke alarms which undoubtedly played a role in the reduction of fire deaths" Flowers added.

According to a press release from the Fire Marshal's office, more than 90% of Ohio's fire-related fatalities occurred in homes with no confirmed working smoke alarms.

Flowers attributes the reduction to a number of efforts, including fire safety education programs, increased media attention to the need for working smoke alarms in homes, and innovative training for Ohio's firefighters.