 The state fire marshal says fire deaths in Minnesota dropped 47% in 2018. A total of 36 people died last year in fires in Minnesota according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division. That's down from 68 fire deaths in 2017. The decline comes after a deadly fire year in 2017 which recorded Minnesota's most fire deaths since 1995. State Fire Marshal Bruce West credits Minnesota fire departments for going into communities and teaching people about fire prevention and safety. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.