Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 26, 2025) — Volunteers from the American Red Cross of Utah and Team Rubicon joined forces on Saturday to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education to residents in the Poplar Grove neighborhood. The effort, part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, aims to reduce home fire risks and equip families with the tools and knowledge to stay safe.
“Partnerships like this allow us to reach more homes and make a greater impact,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “By working together, we’re helping to create safer neighborhoods and giving families the resources they need to be prepared for home fire emergencies.”
Volunteers spent the afternoon at the Sherwood Forest Mobile Home Park, located at 1594 West 400 South in Salt Lake City, installing smoke alarms in 20 homes and sharing fire prevention tips with residents. Over the past decade, Red Cross volunteers have installed nearly 18,000 free smoke alarms across Utah, helping to save lives and strengthen community safety.
Mobilizing Communities with Fire Safety
The Red Cross of Utah works with fire departments, community organizations and local groups to reduce home fire risks by offering free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. Last year, volunteers installed over 1,250 smoke alarms across the state and provided hundreds of families with critical fire preparedness information.
“We’re committed to building stronger, safer communities by engaging local organizations, church groups and neighborhoods to join us in this lifesaving mission,” said Lafranca. “When neighbors come together to install smoke alarms and share fire safety knowledge, it creates a ripple effect of preparedness and resilience throughout the community.”
Residents can schedule free smoke alarm installations and fire safety consultations at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. During these visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners provide valuable advice on fire prevention, evacuation plans, and creating emergency plans that include all household members, including pets.
Red Cross of Utah Home Fire Responses
This year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers have responded to more than 130 home fires, assisting nearly 650 people. In 2024, volunteers responded to nearly 160 home fires, helping over 725 residents.
The Red Cross is seeking additional volunteers in Utah to meet the growing demand for disaster response. After training, volunteers are prepared to assist during local emergencies and, with additional training and experience, deploy to major disasters nationwide. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit redcross.org/DAT.
Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has partnered with communities nationwide to save nearly 2,500 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
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.
