FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — State officials say the number of deaths caused by fire in Indiana declined in 2015.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says it recorded 73 fire deaths in 2015, down from 84 such deaths in 2014. State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says officials are encouraged by the drop.

The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette reports advances in technology in the past 20 years are helping firefighters save more people. Their gear can withstand more heat and thermal imaging cameras allow them to search homes quickly and more thoroughly.

The state Department of Homeland Security says local fire departments have continued to make smoke detectors available to the public, including in Gary, Frankfort and Indianapolis.