DETROIT – Detroit firefighters and city leaders are rolling out a new initiative aimed at stopping accidental fatal residential fires before they happen — as early 2026 numbers show the city is already trending in the wrong direction.
So far this year, Detroit has lost five residents in accidental fires, prompting first responders to push a more proactive approach.
“What we are trying to do is become more proactive,” Detroit Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said.
The initiative is called Community Risk Reduction (CRR). It uses community-level data to pinpoint where homes are most vulnerable and then deploys first responders to go neighborhood-by-neighborhood to focus on fire prevention education.
“This particular initiative is going to help prevent the fires, before the fires ever take place,” Detroit City Council President James Tate said.
Commissioner Simms said the CRR effort will prioritize outreach to residents considered most at risk, including seniors, families with young children, and non-English speaking communities.
Fire investigators say that in 2025, 105 residents were injured and seven people died in accidental fires in Detroit.
Investigators also cited several leading causes:
- 35% electrical
- 14% cooking-related
- 11% improper use of a product or appliance
Detroit City Councilmember Latisha Johnson said recent fires have been traumatic for neighborhoods — and her office has been trying to help residents take immediate steps to stay safe.
After two residents died in a fire at a home on Ashley, Johnson’s office began distributing free smoke detectors.
“We know that prices are skyrocketing for everything and that includes the cost of carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors,” Johnson said. “Safety is of utmost importance, and we also recognize that there are people who cannot afford those items.”
The city’s CRR team is asking residents to take advantage of the outreach, saying conversations and prevention steps now can save lives later.
“Come talk to us,” Detroit Fire Marshal Donald Thomas said. “We want to come and talk to you about making sure that we are keeping our lives, our families, and our homes [safe].”
More information on Detroit’s Community Risk Reduction program — including how to schedule a presentation — is available here: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-fire-department/community-risk-reduction.