Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford says 16 people died in Chicago fires during 2013, which is the lowest number of deaths since the inception of the Chicago Fire Department.
"It's been moving in that direction for the past several years," said Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford, who credited the use of smoke detectors, advancements in medical technology and quick response of fire crews.
The passing of a smoke detector ordinance about 15 years ago "has a lot to do with it" with the death toll going down, Langford said.
Langford added that educational programs like ABC 7's Operation Save a Life are invaluable in keeping the public informed about the dangers of fire and the ways to be prepared for it.''
Langford said the department will continue its program of distributing smoke detectors.
