Philly fire deaths are rising. Here's what officials say is driving the trend (opens original article in a new tab)

Philadelphia is experiencing a rise in fire deaths due to factors like lithium-ion batteries and synthetic materials in homes, prompting the fire department to use data analytics for targeted prevention efforts.

• Philadelphia fire deaths increased to 22 in 2025, up 18% from 2025's 37 deaths
• Modern homes with lithium-ion batteries and synthetic materials contribute to faster, more dangerous fires
• Fire department uses GIS data to identify high-risk neighborhoods and improve fire prevention efforts
• Over half of deadly fires this year occurred in homes with smoke alarms, indicating increased fire intensity