Smoke alarms helped six people escape an early morning house fire, in a recent case that also highlights the benefits of home fire sprinklers.

A neighbor called 911 shortly after 12:45 a.m. on September 10, reporting flames had engulfed the attached garage of the home located in the Kellogg Marsh area. One of the six adults inside had woken up to the sound of a smoke alarm and alerted everyone else to escape. Firefighters arrived within minutes, finding found smoke and flames throughout the entire home. It took firefighters about 25 minutes to extinguish the fire. One resident was treated at the scene for minor injuries. No one else was hurt. The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

“There are a few things we hope people will take away from this fire,” said Tom Maloney, Marysville Fire District Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal. “The first is that working smoke alarms save lives. Second, everyone should have a home fire escape plan that you practice with each person who lives there. Third, when you build or buy a home, we highly encourage you to ask for home fire sprinklers.”

• Home fire sprinklers protect lives and property by keeping fires small. Sprinklers can reduce the heat, flames, and smoke produced in a fire, allowing people more time to escape.
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of each level of the home. Show alldoors and windows. Go to each room and point to the two ways out. Practice the plan with everyone in your household, including visitors.