The Burlington Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal will distribute 60 smoke alarms to Burlington residents this weekend, the department said Monday, June 18.
The department has responded to more than 400 cooking fires in the city in the past 10 years, Assistant Chief Jay Mebane said. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of residential dwelling fires.
The canvass will distribute 10-year lithium ion smoke alarm, which have no batteries to replace and, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, last about 10 years, the department said.
The alarms will go to the area of Elizabeth Street, Meridian Avenue and Richmond Avenue, the most prevalent area for cooking fires in Burlington, the department said.
The event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 23. Burlington firefighters and Citizens Fire Academy graduates will check, install and replace smoke alarms in the area.