Firefighters stress the importance of working smoke detectors

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee firefighters have started going door-to-door stressing the importance of working smoke detectors to residents. This after a recent deadly fire on the City's west side.

Fire officials say many people fail to check the smoke alarms in their homes because they just don't believe a fire will happen to them.

"People don't worry about fire. They are more worried about being mugged or something like that than they are about fire," said Dewayne Smoots with the Milwaukee Fire Department.

Firefighters canvassed the area near 24th and Vliet, checking smoke detectors in homes they were invited into. They even installed the devices in homes in need.

"They wanted to know if I had smoke detectors," said Rosemary Riegler. "I told them, yes I do. I have five of them."

Officials say it's better to be prepared than to face the consequences should a fire strike your home.

Residents in need of a smoke detector can call Milwaukee Fire Department at 414-286-8980. They will provide one for free.