Richmond stressing home safety after house fire displaces three people

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond’s fire department (RFD) is sounding the alarm on home safety after three people escaped a house fire thanks to a working smoke detector.

On Wednesday, March 18, crew members responded to a structure fire in the 1300 block of Mt. Erin Drive. The fire caused significant damage to the home, officials said.

While no one was hurt, this damage displaced the home’s three residents, who reportedly were alerted to the fire by the smoke detector installed by the Richmond fire Department.

Firefighter Everett Wood said it was him who installed the smoke detectors nearly two months prior and was also one of many first responders who helped put out the flames.

“They were able to get all three occupants out the back door safely, also to call 911 quickly,” said Woods. “The fire could have easily gotten inside and caused serious damage and a lot of problems for the occupants, including death.”

Wood said it’s an important reminder that the low-battery chirp so often ignored -- can mean the difference between life and tragedy.

“When that smoke starts and the fire starts, it happens so quickly. They don't have time to react sometimes. And that smoke detector is the first warning and it gives them the most time and the most available chance to escape,” said Wood. “Make sure you have a smoke detector. Make sure it works. If you do not have one, call the fire department. We will be more than happy to come out there and install them. We'll come out there and check them.”

RFD is giving out free smoke detectors for all Richmonders who need them. The smoke detector hotline is 804-646-1526.