Pennsylvania Fire Service Organizations across the state are looking to pass new requirements for fire safety. FOX56’s Claudia Murtha Spoke to Wilkes-Barre City Fire Chief Jay Delaney to find out more. Fire officials for the city of Wilkes-Barre respond to calls everyday, but you would be surprised at how many could have ended differently if the smoke alarms were working. Smoke Detectors Save lives. A phrase that has been showcased on the Wilkes-Barre fire department headquarters for the last 20 years. “Having a smoke detector and having a working smoke detector are two different things," Delaney said. Having working smoke detectors in a home gives occupants a 50% higher chance of survival if a fire breaks out.