WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade will join fire chiefs from a number of major cities here Wednesday to discuss the importance of smoke detectors.
The group will address the need for smoke alarms at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Engine Company 3 on New Jersey Avenue.
So far this year, at least 25 people have perished in house fires across the country. Statistics show that there were no working smoke alarms in the majority of those homes.
Washington, D.C. Fire and Rescue Chief Dennis Rubin, Acting Montgomery County Chief Richard Bowers and Baltimore City Chief Jim Clack are among those expected to participate.
"Smoke alarms, in addition to provide early warning, are factors in firefighter safety," said Billy Hayes, public information officer for Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS.
Hayes said the effort Wednesday is a national call to arms for safety. "It's been a tragic start for the New Year."
