PUEBLO, Colo. (Oct. 16, 2026) — On Saturday, Oct. 24, volunteers from the American Red Cross, along with the Pueblo Fire Department and other partners, will be out in Pueblo's East Side neighborhood, installing free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes during the city's latest Home Fire Campaign event.

Starting at 10 a.m., volunteers will head out into a portion of East Side between Hudson and Utica avenues, from 5th Street on the south side to 10th Street on the north side, The event follows up on previous Home Fire Campaign and Sound the Alarm events in other Pueblo neighborhoods, all with the same focus: Making homes across the city more resilient and reducing the risks of serious injury or death from a home fire.

"People often think of the American Red Cross as the organization that shows up during or after a disaster, as we did alongside so many incredible community partners during the Aspen Acres Fire," said Heidi Richmond, executive director of the Red Cross of Southern Colorado. "But some of our most important work happens before an emergency ever occurs. Every smoke alarm we install is an opportunity to protect a family, and every volunteer who joins us helps build a safer, more prepared community. That's what this campaign is all about."

In 2026 alone, the Red Cross of Southern Colorado has responded to 20 home fires across Pueblo, assisting 53 people. During that same time period, the Red Cross has installed 116 smoke alarms, helping make 31 Pueblo homes safer.

"We measure our impact in many ways, but some of the most meaningful outcomes are the emergencies that never become tragedies," Richmond said. "A working smoke alarm can give a family precious time to escape a home fire. That's a simple intervention with the potential to save lives and it's something our community can help make possible."

Those interested in learning more about the Home Fire Campaign like the Red Cross of Colorado's website.

Be Part of Helping Your Community 

Looking for a way to be involved in helping make your community safer and more prepared for disaster? The Red Cross of Southern Colorado is looking for volunteers who would like to take part in the Oct. 24 Home Fire Campaign.

Volunteers will gather at 8:30 a.m. at Pueblo Fire Station 6, 111 Victory Lane, Pueblo, CO 81001, for registration, training and a safety briefing before deploying in teams throughout Pueblo's East Side. Whether you're installing smoke alarms, educating residents about fire safety or helping document the event, you'll play an important role in making homes safer and strengthening community resilience.

No experience is necessary. Training, supplies and support will be provided onsite. After the event, volunteers will return to Fire Station 6 for a brief debrief and lunch.  

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.