FIREFIGHTERS: DEATHS CAN BE AVOIDED WITH SMOKE DETECTOR

It’s not even May, but 41 Alabamians have been killed in fire-related incidents so far this year. According to firemarshal.alabama.gov, there were 97 fire-related deaths last year.

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Chief Allen Martin said many of those deaths could have been avoided with a working smoke detector.

“Theres almost no reason nowadays why someone would not have a working smoke alarm in their home,” he said. “There are a lot of ways for people to get one if they can’t afford one. Red Cross has a campaign, and nearly every fire department has a smoke alarms that are available to install.”

If you do not have a smoke detector in your home and would like one installed, contact your local fire department.