Closing Bedroom Doors Can Save Lives During House Fires in North Carolina

Fatal fire incidents in the state have now topped 30 so far in 2026, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:49pm

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The North Carolina Fire Marshals' office has confirmed 30 fire-related deaths in the state as of early 2026, with the majority of these incidents occurring during the late night and early morning hours. Experts emphasize the importance of having working smoke alarms and closing bedroom doors to provide extra time for escape in the event of a house fire.

Why it matters

The high number of fatal fires in North Carolina this year underscores the need for increased fire safety awareness and preventative measures. Closing bedroom doors can significantly improve a person's chances of survival by slowing the spread of smoke and heat, giving them more time to safely evacuate.

The details

The absence of working smoke alarms remains a recurring factor in many of the fatal fire incidents. Fire officials recommend installing smoke alarms inside and outside every bedroom, as well as on every level of the home. Additionally, they advise residents to close their bedroom doors before going to sleep, as this simple action can provide a few extra crucial minutes to escape a house fire.

  • The majority of fatal house fires happen in the late night or early morning hours.

The players

Laura Ryggs

Fire Marshal, Lexington Fire Department.

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What they’re saying

“We want people to start closing their bedroom doors, because that bedroom door, even though it may be thinner material, could give you a couple extra minutes to get out and keep that smoke on the opposite side of the door.”

— Laura Ryggs, Fire Marshal, Lexington Fire Department

What’s next

The Fire Safety Research Institute has launched a campaign to encourage residents to "Close before you Doze" in order to improve fire safety and survival rates.

The takeaway

This tragic spike in fire-related deaths in North Carolina highlights the critical importance of fire safety measures, such as working smoke alarms and closing bedroom doors, which can significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of a house fire.