Idaho Fire Marshal Says Give the Gift That Might Save a Life

"The simple gift of a smoke alarm is an outward expression of how much you care"BOISE, Idaho (KLIX) The state’s fire marshal is asking people to give the gift that might save someones life and home after recent fires in Idaho.

In just 24-hours the Idaho State Fire Marshal investigated three home fires, non of which had working smoke alarms. Two people died in one of those fires. “Smoke alarms are inexpensive,” said State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl. “The simple gift of a smoke alarm is an outward expression of how much you care.” According to the marshal, working smoke alarms play a critical role in reducing fire related deaths and injuries.

The marshal recommends the following:

• In every bedroom
• Outside bedrooms
• On each level of the house
• In the main living space

He says smoke alarms give people sleeping early warning of a fire and time to escape.  “Sleeping with the bedroom door closed slows the smoke from entering and provides a little extra time if you need to escape out a window,” said Sandahl.

The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office is a division of the Idaho Department of Insurance. Consumers with questions about fire-related incidents are encouraged to contact the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s office by visiting www.doi.idaho.gov or calling 800-721-3272 toll-free statewide.