(WGGB/WSHM) - Fire deaths were down 12 percent from 2024, declining from a seven-year high at that time.

Excluding fatal crashes with an ensuing fire, Massachusetts recorded 44 fire deaths from 30 fires in 2025, on par with the five-year average of 44 from 2020 to 2024. Those aged 65 or older made-up 55 percent of the deaths, partially due to the devastating assisted living home fire in Fall River.

The unsafe use or disposal of smoking materials was the cause or possible factor in 21 fire deaths, the most common factor by far.

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