Firefighters make smoke detectors available to Delawareans

In 2023, there were 14 fire deaths in Delaware, and 80% of those deaths occurred in homes with no working smoke detectors.

Because of the fire losses last year, the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association has taken money out of its reserve funds to purchase smoke detectors, and Scott McClennen of Lowe’s at Brandywine Town Center graciously offered a reduced price for the much-needed life-saving devices.

The 3,330 smoke detectors were received Jan. 12 and then loaded into pickup trucks from the Indian River, Little Creek and Brandywine Hundred fire companies for distribution to all the volunteer fire companies and the City of Wilmington Fire Department for the citizens of Delaware.

Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association President Ron O’Neal said, “Home fires are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. The DVFA took the initiative to create the awareness of this problem. We are hoping this initiative will reduce the amount of home fire deaths in Delaware. Please stop by any fire station to receive your free smoke detector. If you are unable to come to the fire house or need help installing them, please call your local fire company. If there are corporate sponsors who would like the help defray the cost for next year and beyond, please contact the DVFA office.”

For more information and a contact link, go to dvfassn.com.