A smoke alarm saved a life in a fire at a home on East Drive early Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, the Oak Ridge Fire Department said. (Photo by Tom Scott/ORFD Photographer)
A smoke alarm saved a life in a fire at a home on East Drive early Thursday, the Oak Ridge Fire Department said.
The fire was reported at the home at about 1:52 a.m. Thursday. The first Fire Department unit was at the house within minutes and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home.
The resident was outside when fire crews arrived, the ORFD said. He said a smoke alarm woke him up.
The home received extensive damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, the ORFD said.
The Oak Ridge Fire Department said it would like to remind everyone of the importance of having a smoke alarm in their home.
“Having a working smoke alarm in this instance likely saved the resident’s life,” the ORFD said.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of death nearly in half for residential fires. Smoke alarms must be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Using interconnected smoke alarms is also recommended so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.
If you or someone you know are in need of a smoke alarm, contact the Oak Ridge Fire Department, and they will install the alarms free of charge through the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office “Get Alarmed, TN!” program. If you do not live inside the City of Oak Ridge, contact your local fire department for assistance.
Here are some important safety reminders from the Oak Ridge Fire Department:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- A smoke alarm should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall.
- Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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