First responders see firsthand how the hidden danger of carbon monoxide (CO) can harm families without warning. One call in particular showed Spokane firefighters why CO alarms are so critical.
A Spokane family had made repeated trips to the doctor for a child with ongoing health issues that no one could explain. One day, the family called 911 for help inside their home. When Spokane firefighters arrived, they noticed the home’s CO alarm showed dangerously high levels of CO. After the problem was addressed, the child’s health improved. The family later realized that longterm CO exposure was likely causing the child’s illness.
Stories like this are why CO safety is a major focus for the Spokane Fire Department (SFD). For more than 20 years, SFD has operated a smoke and carbon monoxide safety program to help protect Spokane residents. Today, the program is run by the Community Risk Reduction Team, led by Kathy O’Donnell and Jamie McIntyre.
The program provides free smoke and CO alarm installations for homes that need them most. Priority goes to homeowners with limited incomes and neighborhoods with higher fire risk. Since 2020 alone, SFD has installed more than 2,800 smoke alarms and 870 CO alarms in Spokane homes.
Each fire engine carries installation kits. This allows firefighters to install alarms during calls when needed. If a home doesn’t have a CO alarm, or if an existing alarm is chirping—a short beep that means the battery is low or the alarm is expired—it is replaced.
CO alarms provide early detection and help save lives, according to Jaime, the community risk reduction manager for the SFD. If firefighters can’t install alarms during an emergency response, they make a follow-up visit to install the alarm another time. This is critical because CO is a gas you cannot see, smell or detect without a working alarm. Often called “the silent killer,” CO can cause serious illness or death without warning.
“Carbon monoxide is an invisible threat.” said Jamie. “We’re grateful for Avista’s generous donation. It allows us to continue installing free CO alarms in homes that need them most and helps keep our community safe.”
This program is successful in part because people trust firefighters for safety information. According to Jamie, many people don’t know that Washington state law requires CO detectors in homes. While landlords are responsible for installing alarms in rental properties, firefighters often respond to calls where alarms are missing, outdated or not working.
CO alarms don’t last forever. You should check the manufacture date on the back of the alarm. Most CO detectors should be replaced every five to seven years.
For the best protection, safety guidelines recommend installing:
Twice each year, SFD partners with the American Red Cross to conduct installation blitzes. During these events teams go door to door in targeted neighborhoods, leave door hangers with safety information and return later to install free CO alarms.
Donations help keep this life-saving program running. Avista’s Gas Operations department recently donated 72 CO detectors and has a long history of supporting community safety efforts.
“Keeping our community safe is our highest priority,” said Tim Mair, manager of Avista’s Gas Operations department. “By providing CO detectors to the Spokane Fire Department, Avista Gas Operations is helping ensure our neighbors have access to lifesaving protection.”
Every $14 donated provides a CO detector for a Spokane home.
“These firefighters aren’t volunteers,” says Jamie. “Their full-time job is protecting our community.”
In need of an alarm?
Call (509) 625-7149, email SFDSmokeAlarms@SpokaneCity.org or fill out the online application.