Fires increased dramatically in Gardendale and across the state, and the Gardendale Fire Department wants to make sure residents know how to stay safe.

The number of fire deaths in the state of Alabama increased from 85 in 2009 to 122 in 2010, a 45.9 percent increase, according to a report by Alabama State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk.

Gardendale had 39 fires in 2009. The number rose to 70 fires in 2010. Those statistics include almost any reported fire, from a house blaze to a smoky kitchen caused by burning food. There were no fire deaths.

Smith said the increase in fires can’t be attributed to any one cause. He and the other firefighters in the Gardendale fire department offer these tips to help reduce the risk of fire-related death:

• Have a smoke detector on every level of a house and outside of every bedroom. Also make sure the detectors are wired together so that if one detects smoke, all the alarms sound.

• Have an escape plan ready in advance.

Every person in the household needs to know at least two ways out of their room. Also, designate a meeting place somewhere outside the house.

• If your circuit breaker trips or if there are strange electrical problems in your household, hire a licensed electrician find out why.

• Use common sense.

“Just be careful of little stuff, like not leaving food unattended on the stove or cleaning out the lint trap in the dryer,” said Smith.