New York City has recorded the lowest number of annual civilian fire deaths in its history.
Fifty-eight civilians across the five boroughs died in fires in 2012. That's four fewer than the previous record low of 62 set in 2010. The top causes of fatal fires last year were accidental electrical fires, smoking, incendiary fires and cooking-related fires.
The city also has recorded its fastest average ambulance response time for life-threatening medical emergencies. It's exactly 6½ minutes — a second faster than in 2011.
The 2012 figures were announced Wednesday by Mayor Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano.
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Bloomberg calls 2012 "a historic year for public safety."
Copyright AP - Associated Press
