Fire deaths in Minnesota hit an all-time low in 2009, according to preliminary statistics from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

None of the 32 reported deaths occurred in Mower County. That final tally represents a 20 percent drop from the previous record low of 40, which occurred in 2007. Recordkeeping began in 1970.

However, the number could climb some as hospitals submit fatality reports, though traditionally those number five or fewer.

Fire marshal officials cite the declining number of smokers as a main reason behind the decline. Careless smoking is typically the No. 1 cause of fire deaths, and it is blamed for four of the 2009 deaths in Minnesota. In 2007, however, it led to eight deaths.

Nine deaths last year were caused by other human errors, including combustible materials too close to a heat source, careless open-air burning and unattended cooking.

Fires like these are generally more likely in the cold winter months, when homeowners are often cooped up inside and running heating devices.

The American Red Cross advises people to keep combustible material, like paper or bedding, at least three feet away from heat sources.

They also urge people to never leave portable heaters unattended and to turn them off at night.

Another key safety tip for homeowners is to make sure there are working alarms in the residence — none of the 32 deaths occurred in homes with working smoke alarms.

Acting Austin fire chief Brian Lovik said in addition to working smoke alarms, better fire code enforcement was a big reason behind the low numbers in 2009. He said he hopes such statistics are not a “fluke” and that deaths continue to trend downward in 2010.

Like Lovik, state officials also credit stricter fire and building codes, along with public education, in saving lives.

“Public education builds awareness and encourages people to take responsibility for preventing fires — and that’s what prevents fire deaths,” Bob Dahm, chief deputy state fire marshal, said in a press release. “In the end, fire prevention is our most effective tool.”