Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives

There were two fire fatalities in Walla Walla in 2019, both in homes without working smoke detectors. Working smoke alarms save lives.

The majority of fatal home fires happen at night, and the smell of smoke will not always wake you up. In fact, smoke and poisonous gases can put you into a deeper sleep. Home smoke alarms can wake you up in time to escape. They are inexpensive and easy to install, and save lives. 

Follow these important smoke alarm tips:

• Buy an approved smoke alarm that has an independent testing lab label.
• Install one smoke alarm in each sleeping area on each level of your home.
• Smoke rises, so alarms are meant to be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling.
• Make sure everyone sleeping in your home can hear your smoke alarms. We suggest you test alarms monthly.
• Replace batteries at least twice a year.
• Smoke alarms wear out. Know the age of your alarms and replace alarms that are more than 10 years old.

Contact Us

Jason Strang, WWFD Fire Inspector: jstrang@wallawallawa.gov, 509-524-4604
Tim Thompson, WWFD Fire Inspector: tthompson@wallawallawa.gov, 509-524-4603

Need help with your smoke alarms?

Keeping our community safe is our first priority. Walla Walla Fire Department staff can answer your questions about smoke alarm placement, batteries, etc. Call 509-524-4610 for more information.