DENVER, Colo. (May 28, 2026) — On May 23, volunteers from the American Red Cross, along with the Denver Fire Department, Xcel Energy, Kaiser Permanente, United Airlines and Garnet Construction, installed 170 free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in 42 homes during a Home Fire Campaign event in Denver's Montbello neighborhood.

Many of the homes on the western end of Montbello were built decades ago and may have outdated smoke and carbon monoxide alarms or no alarms at all. Additionally, the Montbello neighborhood is one of several with an elevated risk of wildfires, due to proximity to the open spaces of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

"When people have working smoke alarms, they reduce their risk of death from a home fire by half," said Andrea Miller, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. "On average, in metropolitan areas, 6% of homes don’t have working smoke alarms and 50% of homes don’t have carbon monoxide detectors."

"Partnering with the Denver Fire Department and organizations like Xcel Energy gives us the opportunity to make sure that people have smoke alarms that can save their lives in an emergency," Miller added. "We're also able to educate homeowners on how they can have an escape plan and about dangers like urban wildfires that they may not be considering."

The Red Cross thanks Xcel Energy for their continued support of Home Fire Campaign efforts throughout Colorado, as well as Kaiser Permanente, United Airlines and Garnet Construction for volunteering to help make communities safer.

Those interested in learning more about the Red Cross of Colorado’s Home Fire Campaign, including how they can get involved, can do so by visiting https://www.redcross.org/local/colorado/about-us/our-work/home-fire-safety.html.

Xcel Energy-Red Cross wildfire safety partnership

Xcel Energy and the Red Cross have forged a partnership that aims to empower Colorado residents with the knowledge and resources needed to prepare for and respond to wildfire risks.

As part of the collaborative partnership, Xcel Energy representatives will work alongside Red Cross volunteers to deliver wildfire prevention guidance and home safety information, and support families in developing emergency preparedness plans. In the event of a wildfire or public safety power shutoff (PSPS), Xcel Energy and Red Cross will mobilize alongside local communities to provide impacted community members with essential resources and timely information.

Through the course of the partnership, Xcel Energy will serve as the presenting sponsor for Home Fire Campaigns and Sound the Alarm events in Colorado. These programs will directly engage residents across the state, sharing critical wildfire prevention strategies and educating the public on essential steps to take during a PSPS. Special emphasis will be placed on youth preparedness and equipping children with lifesaving skills through the "Prepare with Pedro" program.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.