Detroit Fire Department launches citywide Community Risk Reduction initiative to prevent fires and save lives

• Structure fires found by DFD crews are down 50% since 2017, now is the time to focus on prevention
• Detroiters can get involved by requesting a Community Risk Reduction presentation in their neighborhood
• The top cause of accidental residential fires in Detroit is electrical fires

The Detroit Fire Department (DFD), joined by Detroit City Councilmembers and the Department of Neighborhoods, today announced the launch of a comprehensive Community Risk Reduction (CRR) initiative-an ambitious, data-driven strategy designed to prevent fires before they start, reduce injuries and fatalities, and equip residents with the tools they need to stay safe.

This citywide effort reflects a fundamental shift in how fire service is delivered-moving beyond emergency response to proactive, neighborhood-based prevention rooted in real-time data and community engagement.

"Even just five years ago, I wouldn't have imagined the Detroit Fire Department would be in a position to dedicate this level of resources to community engagement and fire prevention," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "This work is only possible because of the incredible team across our department-from Fire Investigations, who determine causes and provide the data, to the Fire Marshal Division and our CRR team leading outreach, to our Training Division, Community Relations Division and leadership who are supporting this effort. This truly spans the entire department."

In 2025, the Detroit Fire Department responded to 3,237 structure fires, 1,471 which required firefighting operations. Though fatalities remained on par from 2024, our concern is with the significant increase in fire-related injuries, up 32% from 2024. 2025 data is as follows:

• 21 fire-related fatalities (down from 22 in 2024)
• 201 fire-related injuries (up from 146 in 2024)

While structure fires have declined significantly in recent years - fires found on arrival are down 50% from 2017 - officials say this progress creates a critical opportunity to double down on prevention and education.

A Neighborhood-Focused Approach to Public Safety

Under the leadership of Mayor Mary Sheffield, the City of Detroit is prioritizing neighborhood-level engagement-ensuring residents in every community have access to life-saving information and resources. "This is what it looks like when we invest directly in our neighborhoods and in our people," said Mayor Sheffield. "We want every Detroiter-no matter what neighborhood they live in-to feel supported, informed, and equipped to keep their families safe. My office and the Department of Neighborhoods are committed to working alongside the Detroit Fire Department to make sure this information gets into the hands of residents and that we're meeting people where they are."

Through the CRR initiative, DFD will work closely with:

• The Department of Neighborhoods
• Detroit City Councilmembers
• Block clubs and neighborhood associations
• Community organizations and nonprofits

Detroit Fire Department personnel will proactively engage residents directly in their communities-meeting them where they are through neighborhood events, block meetings, and targeted outreach.

Residents and community groups can also request a presentation through a dedicated scheduling link available on the Detroit Fire Department's CRR page at detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department/community-risk-reduction.

Using Data to Drive Prevention

At the core of the CRR initiative is a commitment to using data the way it was always intended: to prevent emergencies-not just respond to them. Through tools like the City's CRAIG 1300 dashboard, residents and stakeholders can explore fire data at an unprecedented level of detail, including causes of fires by neighborhood.

Residents can explore the data here: dashboards.mysidewalk.com/detroit-fire-department-craig-flex/. This data allows the Department to identify trends, focus resources, and tailor safety messaging to the specific risks facing each neighborhood.

Council President James Tate (D1) was on hand to help kick off the CRR initiative. "I've seen firsthand how a residential fire can change the trajectory of a family's life in an instant-displacing loved ones, destroying memories, and creating challenges that can last for years," said Tate. "That's why this Community Risk Reduction initiative is so important. It's about getting ahead of potential tragedies-using data, education, and community engagement to prevent emergencies before they happen. This is the kind of forward-thinking, people-centered approach that will make a lasting difference for families across Detroit."

The districts with the most accidental residential fires were Detroit's 4th District, on Detroit's far east side, and the 7th District, on the far west side. Council members were present for the launch and are excited about next steps.

Council Member Latisha Johnson of District 4 has partnered with the Detroit Fire Department for neighborhood fire safety walks and looks forward to this new initiative. "Community Risk Reduction is exactly the kind of proactive, neighborhood-focused approach we need to keep our residents safe," said Councilmember Johnson. "I'm excited to see the Detroit Fire Department using data to identify risks and working directly with residents to address them. In District 4, we have strong block clubs and engaged communities, and this initiative gives us another powerful tool to make sure our families have the knowledge and resources they need to prevent fires and save lives."

"Educating our neighbors on fire safety is key to having safe and thriving communities throughout District 7 and the City of Detroit," said Council Member Denzell McCampbell of District 7. "I appreciate and commend the Detroit Fire Department for rolling out this targeted community risk reduction initiative. District 7 ranks 2nd across all districts when it comes to accidental fires, so this program is greatly needed to help share the knowledge to reduce fires. I look forward to partnering with DFD, community groups, and residents to increase public safety for all."

A Nationally Proven Strategy, Tailored for Detroit

Community Risk Reduction is a nationally recognized framework used by fire departments and municipalities across the country to reduce risk through education, engineering, enforcement, and community partnerships.

Fire Marshal Don Thomas emphasized the importance of acting now. "Community Risk Reduction is about getting ahead of emergencies before they happen," said Thomas. "With residential fires trending downward, now is the time to intensify our efforts-educating residents, addressing risks, and making sure every Detroiter has the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Captain Ed Davis, of the Fire Marshal Division, who will help lead DFD's community engagement efforts, said the initiative represents an exciting new chapter. "We're excited to get out into the neighborhoods and connect directly with residents. This is about more than just fire safety-it's about building relationships, answering questions, and making sure people feel confident and prepared in their own homes."

Regional Director of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Meredith Hawes, is excited that this work is kicking off in Detroit. "NFPA proudly supports Detroit's Fire Prevention Community Risk Reduction initiatives, and we are proud to have worked with their outstanding team," said Hawes. "We encourage the use of tools powered by Craig 1300 to strengthen data-driven decision-making, enhance community safety, and align prevention strategies to the industry standard, NFPA 1300".

HEARTSafe Detroit: Expanding Life-Saving Education

In addition to fire prevention, the CRR initiative will support Detroit's growing HEARTSafe efforts-ensuring residents are equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies.

This includes:

• CPR training opportunities for residents across the city
• Education on recognizing cardiac emergencies
• Increased awareness and access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Residents can learn more about Detroit's HEARTSafe Community status and sign up for CPR training by visiting detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department/heartsafe-community.

The Department encourages residents to download the PulsePoint app, which alerts nearby users when someone is experiencing a cardiac emergency in a public place and may need CPR before first responders arrive.

By combining fire prevention education with life-saving medical response training and technology, DFD is taking a comprehensive, community-first approach to public safety, empowering residents to act when every second counts.

Fire Risk by City Council District - accidental residential fires
District 1
• Top Causes:
32% Electrical
20% Cooking
16% Improper use of Product/Appliance

District 2
• Top Causes:
36% Electrical
21% Cooking
11% Improper use of Product/Appliance

District 3
• Top Causes:
38% Electrical
13% Improper use of Product/Appliance
13% Cooking2

District 4
• Top Causes:
47% Electrical
13% Cooking
13% Careless smoking

District 5
• Top Causes:
27% Electrical
20% Cooking
20% Careless smoking

District 6
• Top Causes:
46% Electrical
13% Product or Appliance Malfunction
13% Careless smoking

District 7
• Top Causes:
38% Electrical
13% Cooking fires
12% Improper use of Product

Preventing Detroit's Most Common Causes of Fire

Based on Detroit Fire Department data, the most common causes of residential fires include electrical issues, cooking, careless smoking, and improper use of appliances.

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

Electrical Fires

• Avoid overloading outlets or daisy-chaining power strips.
• Replace damaged or frayed wiring immediately.
• Use licensed electricians for major electrical work.
• Unplug appliances when not in use.

Cooking Fires

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Keep flammable items away from stovetops.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.

Careless Smoking

• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Fully extinguish cigarettes before disposal.
• Keep smoking materials away from oxygen equipment.

Improper Use of Appliances

• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Keep appliances clean and well-maintained.
• Avoid using damaged equipment.
• Ensure proper ventilation for heating devices.

Learn More & Get Involved

The Detroit Fire Department will be coming to your neighborhood soon to spread the word about our Community Risk Reduction initiative. Check the CRR web page later this month to find a presentation in your neighborhood here detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department/community-risk-reduction.

Residents can learn more about fire prevention, explore safety resources, and request a neighborhood presentation by visiting the Detroit Fire Department Website at detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department.