Columbus County Hands Out 1,000 Smoke Alarms During Fire Prevention Week

Fire crews across Columbus County started giving out smoke alarms this week. The push for safety brings state and county fire officials together with Kidde Fire Safety and the Red Cross.

On Oct. 10, 2025, crews went street by street, putting alarms in homes that needed them most. This action follows the deaths of four kids in an August blaze that shook the county to its core.

"We're just canvassing our neighborhoods, making sure everyone has a working smoke detector in their homes," said Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman, according to WECT.

Many families in the area can't buy smoke alarms. Blackman spoke about this stark truth, "It's hard to deal with that, realizing people don't have smoke detectors in their homes. You know, it's a simple item you know people take for granted."

State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor points out that fires kill about 120 people each year in North Carolina. His words cut deep, "We want to be sure that this tragic incident, that could have been prevented by a working smoke alarm and a plan, never happens to anyone else. One life is too many."

While Fire Prevention Week just ended on Oct. 11, officials stress that staying safe from fires matters every single day of the year. Short-term fixes won't solve long-standing problems.

Through October's end, local stations will keep fitting homes with these vital alarms. Those who still need one should call their closest fire station to set up an installation date.