Arkansas has already seen more fire-related deaths this year than in all of 2024.

That's according to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, which reports that 34 fire-related deaths have been recorded this year, surpassing the total of 27 deaths in 2024. Arkansas' fatality rate is also higher than the national average for every 1,000 fires.

Fire officials say house fires are often related to the lack of smoke detectors or not properly maintaining them. Batteries should be changed every 6 months, and families are also encouraged to have a specific escape plan in place.