 The Bemidji Fire Department released stats summarizing their 2018 year along with the department's expectations and goals for the 2019 year. The Bemidji Fire Department continues to be one of the busiest stations in the state. Bemidji Fire responded to a total of 986 emergency calls in the 2018. 129 of those calls being fire-related thanks to their work. Bemidji Fire estimates more than $7 million in property was saved last year with only $1 million in property lost. When we look at our causes of fire, our causes of fire in the Bemidji area continue to be the same that they have for the past number of years. Building fire-wise, the most common place for us to have a fire is residential dwellings. The most common cause in that residential setting is unattended cooking. So something on the stove top is by far the most common one for us. And that didn't change in 2018. Overall the numbers are consistent with Bemidji's fires past 10 years. Hofer said points out that it was the normal fire season for them although building fires were up by more than 10 from the previous year. The Bemidji Fire continues to put on a high emphasis on prevention both on educational side and the code enforcement side to make sure the community understands what is causing fires in the Bemidji area. As far as our responses go, I think we're going to continue to put a lot of emphasis on our prevention program, our code enforcement program. Ultimately that's the best way to save a life, prevent an injury and protect property is preventing that fire from even starting. And our response models we continue to look at adapting to minimize the impact of fires once they start. In 2018 we added a new station, a better serve our north end area. And remember prevention is key. The Bemidji Fire Department reminds everyone that the best way to save a life in your home is to make sure you have a working smoke alarm and a planned escape route. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.