Three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms, or smoke alarms that failed to operate, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
That's why the Bristol Virginia Fire Department is working to ensure residents are protected.
The department has been awarded a Community Risk Reduction Smoke Alarm Grant through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
As a result, the department will receive a supply of smoke detectors that can be installed in Bristol, Virginia homes, free of charge.
"Some detectors kind of operate by our motto, and that is to save lives and protect property," said Chief Mike Armstrong, of the Bristol Virginia Fire Department.