Following fatal fire, MFD returns to south side neighborhood to install free smoke alarms

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) was in the neighborhood where a house fire killed a woman and severely burned a firefighter to stress that working smoke detectors save lives.

"The one we're giving you has a 10-year battery," a Milwaukee firefighter said as he explained the smoke alarm to a resident.

On Friday, firefighters went door-to-door in a south side neighborhood installing smoke alarms for free. After a weekend fire in the area, the department wanted to ensure the safety of these residents.

"If you ever hear your smoke alarm going off, please understand that the smoke alarm goes off only when there is smoke in the air. We have to stop taking the smoke alarms going off as a joke," MFD Community Relations Director Carlos Velazquez Sanchez said.

One resident who got a brand-new alarm installed was Celia Vazquez, who did not realize the detector in one of her bedrooms did not have batteries.

"I was very surprised because I did not know that," she told CBS 58.

Vazquez was home when Sunday's fire engulfed a home down the street from her, so she is grateful to the fire department for stopping by.

"It's surprising and really good because it makes the neighborhood feel safer since they came here and checked on us," she said.

Having a working smoke alarm is crucial, MFD said, as fires double in size every 30 seconds. They also urged residents to have an efficient and quick way to exit their homes if a fire does break out.

"Make an escape plan where you have two ways out of every room in your home and make sure you have a meeting place outside your home," Velazquez Sanchez said.

If you live in Milwaukee and want a free smoke alarm, you can get one from MFD. Call the smoke alarm hotline at 414-286-8980 to schedule an appointment.