Fire department to conduct smoke-detector checks

The City of Gallup declared Oct. 7 - 13 as Fire Prevention Week at the Oct. 9 regular city council meeting.

At the meeting, the Gallup Fire Department was presented with a proclamation by the city for Fire Prevention Week, which involves basic fire-safety education for the public.

At the meeting, Mayor Jackie McKinney shared a few statistics. For instance, he said 352,000 house fires are responded to every year across the country, with about 2,735 deaths resulting from those fires.

A key theme of Fire Prevention Week is to “Look, Listen, Learn,” McKinney said. “We need to take personal steps to increase our safety from fire.”

GFD Deputy Chief Jesus Morales said another key point of Fire Prevention Week is to urge people to be safe from fire dangers all year round. He said a working smoke detector is the best way to defend against fires.

GFD Fire Marshal Jacob LaCroix said the department is conducting a smoke-detector check Oct. 19 and 20, when they’ll visit homes in the Gallup and Gamerco areas to inspect detectors. If the home does not have an operating smoke detector, the department can provide one free of charge as long as supplies last.

LaCroix said the smoke detectors were provided through a $1,000 grant, and the average battery life is around two years.

Contact the Gallup Fire Department at (505) 722-4395 or (505) 726-5448 for more information or to set up an appointment.

By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent