The number of fire deaths in Minnesota increased 31 percent, from 39 to 51, in 2011 compared to the previous year, according to preliminary figures from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD).
The 2011 number is an anomaly in a downward trend fairly consistent since the 1980s, said the state agency.
The state's all-time-low fire-death figure was 35 in 2009; the high was 134 in 1976.
State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl called 2011 notable in that six fires accounted for 17 fatalities. Three deaths were ruled suicide; 16 involved alcohol or drugs. Twelve people died in fires caused by careless smoking or unattended candles.
Figures are preliminary at this time because fatality reports from Minnesota burn centers and hospitals are not yet final, and the state's 791 fire departments are still sending data to the State Fire Marshal Division to be compiled over the next few months.