Kamloops Fire and Rescue says all of the free smoke alarms that it had to distribute this month have been accounted for.

Life Safety Educator Jeff Pont says there was an overwhelming demand over the past week, telling Radio NL it was exactly the response that KFR had been hoping for.

“Might not seem like a lot, but we’ve had a little over 100 homes reach out that are going to get working smoke alarms,” Pont said.

“Kind of a byproduct of it all is that even more people stood up and tested their smoke alarms, which is really valuable to us as well.”

Pont says he is not sure why the demand for smoke alarms was so high this year, noting the last time KFR ran a similar program, it took a whole month for about 70 people to reach out.

“Maybe its all the wildfires and things we’ve been having, people are just more aware of fire safety,” Pont said. “Our reach at Kamloops Fire and Rescue has gotten a bit broader as well and people are tuning in to listen to the things we have to say.”

“I don’t really know for sure, but either way its a positive and we’re super excited that it was such a success.”

Pont is still encouraging people to test their their smoke alarms frequently and replace it, if needed.

“Because we offered it for free, it shows how valuable we find this program,” Pont added. “If they didn’t get their name in the hat this time, [we’re hoping people] are still able to go out and get a smoke alarm and install it.”

“If they have questions about how to install it or where they should put it, anything like that, they can still give me a call. I can still come by and chat.”

Pont also says KFR expects to bring back the free smoke alarm program in the fall next year.

Hey Kamloops! We are Sold out of smoke alarms for this round! Thank you for reaching out. So many homes are getting needed smoke alarms! Thank you again Brogan Fire and Safety and Hub International! pic.twitter.com/K3ejwMWF6a

— Kamloops Fire Rescue (@KamFire) November 9, 2023