Pateros Fire Dept. offers free smoke alarms, installation

PATEROS – During the regular monthly meeting of the city council last Monday, July 15, Fire Chief Keith Zwiegle announced that the Pateros Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross in a campaign to supply and install free smoke alarms to any homeowners who need them.

Zwiegle said Pateros fire volunteers are certified to install the free devices and all residents are required to do is sign up for the service.

The Pateros Fire Department will man a booth at the Smoke and Reflections exhibit during Apple Pie Jamboree, July 19-21. The exhibit at 170 Pateros Mall will run from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, July 21.

Zwiegle said his department will participate in the fire alarm program for as long as the supplies last.

The American Red Cross (ARC) also has a website at getasmokealarm.org where individuals can sign up online to get on the list for free smoke alarms. The ARC launched the Home Fire Campaign to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent over five years. Designated counties in Washington state including Okanogan, Chelan and Douglas counties are among those listed on the ARC website that qualify to receive the free alarms.