(Washington, DC) In a pre-holiday demonstration of community participation, DC Firefighters, members of the Department's Fire Prevention Division, and other city agencies will go door-to-door in Anacostia this Friday distributing free smoke alarms and fire and life safety information.

"This is the time of year when people must really pay attention to these issues," said District Fire Marshal Kenneth Watts, who commended the participation of Metropolitan Police, the Serial Arson Task Force, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  "By raising awareness now we may be able to avert dangerous conditions later in the season."
 
Most fires occur during winter months, the result of faulty furnaces, improperly maintained fireplaces, or stoves and ovens being used for heating.  The use of candles also increases during this time, and that presents potentially dangerous and often tragic situations.

Participants will gather at Engine Co. 15, 2101 14th St., SE before starting the distribution  at 14th St. and Good Hope Rd., SE.