Woodbridge firefighters test smoke alarms

Woodbridge, Va. –– Firefighters in Woodbridge visited more than 20 homes Saturday to help residents test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a department spokeswoman said.

Many of the residents welcomed firefighters from OWL Volunteer Fire Department into their homes, and supplied new batteries to put into their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“Eighty percent of child fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms. It’s a tragic statistic that could be reduced by adopting the simple habit of the changing your battery when you change your clocks” said OWL VFD Chief Jim McAllister.

The department urges residents to replace their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every 10 years.

Most fire fatalities happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most families are sleeping, officials say.

“Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely, said McAllister”

OWL VFD is one of the largest volunteer fire and rescue departments in the nation with more than 300 members.

OWL VFD volunteers are responsible for manning each of the department’s three fire stations – two in Woodbridge and one in Lake Ridge – helping to protect more than 80,000 residents in a 27-square mile area.