SFD & Fairchild Air Force Base Partner for Neighborhood Install Blitz

Jamie McIntyre, 509.435.7058

Monday, April 1, 2024 at 12:17 p.m.

On Saturday, April 6, 2024, Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and volunteers with Fairchild Air Force Base will be visiting 500 homes in the Harmon Park neighborhood offering to install free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from 10 am-3 pm. The installations are part of Spokane Fire's Community Risk Reduction Program.

"We use data to inform our smoke alarm install outreach, focusing on areas that are at a higher risk for residential fires," stated Jamie McIntyre, Community Risk Reduction Manager, Spokane Fire Department (SFD).

The installation campaign was made possible through funding from the FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FY 21) and Lowe’s Home Improvement of North Spokane who generously partnered, offering alarms at a discounted rate, to collectively provide enough photoelectric sensor smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms to install in hundreds of high-fire risk homes. American Red Cross additionally provided the ionization sensor smoke alarms that will be installed.

"Everyone deserves access to the same level of protection from a devastating fire. Our partnership with the American Red Cross and North Lowe's Spokane has allowed us to collectively visit and educate residents of thousands of homes in Spokane during the last ten years," Stated McIntyre.

Important safety messages about smoke alarms:

  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
  • Install smoke alarms in every room used for sleeping, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
  • Smoke rises to the highest point. Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
  • Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old, or no longer respond when tested.
  • People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
  • Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Media are invited to join us for our install blitz. For more information, contact Community Risk Reduction Manager, Jamie McIntyre at (509) 435-7058 or jmcintyre@spokanefire.org

Related Photos
  • Photo 1
  • Photo 2 – Smoke alarms installed through SFD's Community Risk Reduction Program. (Photo credit – Spokane Fire Department Media Services)
  • Photo 3 – Map of Spokane Fire Department Smoke Alarm Install Blitz area 4-6-24. (Photo credit – Spokane Fire Department Media Services)