 Some of the safest schools in the country are right here in Minnesota according to a report by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The state average of 43 school fires is 47 percent lower than the national average. The report also shows that since the school fire inspection program began in 1990, the annual average number of school fires in Minnesota has dropped from 90 in the early 90s to 41 in 2014. Almost 60 percent of Minnesota school fires happened in middle school and high schools where more hazardous operations such as science experiments, shops or cooking classes were offered. However, the department found that 33 percent of the fires oriented in bathrooms or locker rooms. The state fire marshal says that parents should talk to their children about the dangers and power of fire and teach them safe behaviors. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.