MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Fire District has been presented with a Life Safety Achievement Award for 2012 by the National Association of State Fire Marshals Fire Research and Education Foundation, in partnership with the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. The award was announced by J. William Degnan, president of the NASFM Fire Research and Education Foundation.

Since 1994, the Life Safety Achievement Award has recognized local fire prevention efforts that have contributed to reducing the number of lives lost in residential fires. The Marysville Fire District qualified for this award in 2012 because it recorded zero fire deaths in structures, or a reduction by 10 percent during the year. In addition, Marysville was able to demonstrate the existence of an active and effective fire prevention program, and a clear commitment to reducing the number of fires in the homes within the Marysville community.

Although residential fires in the United States account for only 20 percent of all fires, they result in 80 percent of all fire deaths.

“The Marysville Fire District is committed to reducing that number through education and advocating the installation of residential fire sprinklers,” Marysville Fire Chief Greg Corn said. “This is a cooperative effort of all of our stakeholders to educate, promote and provide a safe community and this award demonstrates that commitment to excellence.”

“Experience tells us that fire prevention activity and public education can significantly reduce life and property loss from residential fires,” Degnan said. “The Life Safety Achievement Award recognizes fire agencies for their prevention efforts, and encourages them to continually improve those efforts.”

The NASFM Fire Research and Education Foundation is a public interest group whose mission is to reduce residential fire deaths and injuries. The Foundation advocates the use of residential fire sprinklers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and teaching people fire-safe behaviors. The Foundation assists fire agencies with implementing residential sprinkler and smoke alarm programs on a local basis. The Foundation’s partners include the United States Fire Administration, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and private industry associations with an interest in and commitment to residential fire safety. For more information, visit the NASFM Fire Research and Education Foundation web site at www.firemarshal.org. This award was made possible through a grant provided by the Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.