KITZMILLER, MD — Two families escaped unharmed from fires in their homes thanks to smoke alarms installed as part of Maryland’s Community Risk Reduction initiative, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reported.
The incidents occurred on November 17 at a home on West Centre Street in Kitzmiller and on November 18 at a home on Jared Drive in Rawlings. In both cases, smoke alarms alerted residents early enough to evacuate safely. The alarms had been provided and installed free of charge through a joint effort by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, and the Kitzmiller Volunteer Fire Department during an initiative last year.
Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms in preventing tragedies. “We are extremely relieved and thankful that these families are safe,” Mowbray said in a statement. “This is why we have been working hard to ensure every home has working smoke alarms. These incidents prove that our efforts are working.”
The Community Risk Reduction initiative aims to promote fire safety and reduce fire-related injuries and fatalities by installing alarms and educating residents throughout Maryland.
Authorities continue to advocate for the importance of working smoke alarms, underscoring their role in saving lives during home fires.