Fire units from James City County, assisted by the City of Williamsburg and York County Fire Departments, were dispatched on Oct. 25 at approximately 8:45 a.m. to a house fire on Leon Drive in Indigo Park. Smoke detectors were in place and alerted occupants called 911. The fire was quickly contained to the house crawl space. It destroyed ventilation fans, wiring and plumbing in that space. There was also smoke damage to the main house and contents. There were no injuries and damage was estimated to be about $10,000. Fire marshals determined the fire was accidental.
During this time of year as the weather transitions to cooler weather, the importance of working smoke alarms can be the difference between a tragedy and a safe outcome for a family during a fire emergency. This year’s national fire prevention theme is targeted to check that all smoke alarms are functional and in good repair. The theme of “Don’t Wait – Check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 Years” offers these suggestions:
- Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years
- Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home
- To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date
Need assistance with smoke alarms? Call the James City County community risk reduction coordinator at 757-220-0626 or just drop by your local fire station.
Media contact:
Alton F. Catlett, Battalion Chief
757-378-8009
Al.Catlett@jamescitycountyva.gov