Fire Officials Highlight Smoke Alarm Program in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — State and local fire officials gathered at the Springfield Fire Department last week to stress the importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a free installation program for residents. The event marked the second annual Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz, during which 71 fire departments across Illinois installed 2,351 alarms in 743 homes and educated more than 1,600 residents on fire safety. Officials said working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half, and Springfield firefighters have already installed nearly 200 alarms through the program, which provides devices and education at no cost through partnerships with the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Camp I Am Me, and the American Red Cross.