DES MOINES, IOWA -- Iowa officials say smoke alarms alerted a record number of people in the state about a fire emergency last year.

The Iowa State Fire Marshal says in a release Thursday that more than 215 people were saved because of working smoke alarm systems in their homes. That's a jump from about 185 in 2011, and about 145 in 2010.

Most people saved by smoke alarms were asleep during the night. Officials say advance warning also reduces property damage. The state estimates $20 million in property damage for fires with working smoking alarms. Property damage climbs to $46 million for fires with no smoke alarm.

Officials say 42 people were killed in fires in the state last year.

The Ottumwa Fire Department does provide free smoke alarms to those in need. For more information, contact them at 641-683-0666.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.