By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- New York City — FDNY reports a sharp rise in senior fire fatalities: 37 of 59 fire deaths (64%) so far this year involved people 65+, up from 32 of 73 at this point last year. FireRescue1
- Six-week toll: 13 elderly New Yorkers died in fires this winter, prompting urgent outreach to older residents and caregivers. FireRescue1
- Leading risks flagged by FDNY: aging/unsafe electrical systems, space heater use, non-functioning smoke alarms, mobility limits, and living alone (later detection/escape). FireRescue1
NEW YORK — The Fire Department of New York is sounding the alarm over a surge in fire deaths among older adults, saying nearly two-thirds of this year’s fire fatalities have been New Yorkers age 65 and older—a steep increase compared with the same period last year. FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn called the trend “very, very concerning,” noting that older residents represent about 13% of the city’s population but account for 64% of fire deaths in 2025 to date. FireRescue1
Officials said 13 seniors died in just six weeks as winter heating and holiday hazards converged. Investigators highlighted recurrent factors in recent fatal fires: aging or overloaded wiring/extension cords, space heaters, burning candles, inoperable smoke detectors, and the challenges of limited mobility or living alone, which can delay detection and escape. Several cases this season were traced to electrical causes or candles, with victims ranging from their 70s to 90s. FireRescue1
FDNY said it is intensifying home safety outreach with messages tailored to older adults and caregivers—checking and replacing smoke alarms, avoiding extension-cord overuse, positioning space heaters safely, and planning two ways outwhere possible. The department urged families and neighbors to proactively check on seniors, especially during cold snaps and holidays. FireRescue1