LEWISTON — Fire officials statewide say it has been a devastating year for fire deaths in Maine. On Saturday, State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas said many fatalities might have been prevented with working smoke alarms.
“Of the 25 fatalities that we had this year all but two, two, could’ve made a difference as a result of a working smoke detector,” said Thomas.
Saturday volunteers spent the day going door to door at Brookside Trailer Court and Pleasant Street Trailer Park in Lewiston. They handed out free smoke detectors, installed them and helped people develop fire escape plans.
The local effort is part of the American Red Cross’ national campaign to reduce fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent within five years.
Pat Murtagh, Maine American Red Cross CEO, said, “That’s not something that the Red Cross can do by themselves. It really requires a whole community.”
Simonne Lavoie let volunteers into her home on Saturday and learned a potentially life-saving lesson.
“I thought electric fire alarms never gave up or whatever. I thought they were always good,” said Lavoie.
Within minutes Lavoie had new detectors installed and a fire escape plan mapped out.
Volunteers spoke with 35 people and installed 67 alarms in the two mobile home parks. Volunteers launched the initiative in Biddeford a few weeks ago and state officials plan to reach more cities and towns.
“As that’s carried out throughout the state, for as long as we have to do it, that’s the way we’re going to do it by actually going door to door,” said Thomas.
Firefighters helped Red Cross volunteers throughout the day. They discussed the importance of carbon monoxide detectors as well.