In honor of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 5 – 11) and ahead of the busiest season for home fires, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Emergency Services will partner to remind everyone of the dangers of home fires with a live burn at the Allegheny County Fire Academy on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.
The event will begin at 1 p.m. with a press conference. Chief Matt Brown of Allegheny County Emergency Services and Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, will provide remarks about the importance of smoke alarms as Pennsylvania leads the nation in home fire deaths this year. (U.S. Fire Administration)
After the press conference, Allegheny County firefighters will set fire to a fully furnished bedroom equipped with a smoke alarm. The burn demonstration will provide a vivid reminder that neighbors have just minutes to escape a home fire, and that working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.
Please note: This event is for media only; it is not open to the public.
FREE SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATIONS Through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, our volunteers have worked with local fire departments and other community partners to install more than 3.1 million free smoke alarms across the country. If you need assistance, visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA for a free smoke alarm installation.
DISASTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Last year, the Red Cross helped more than 1,300 people after home fires in the Greater Pittsburgh area, including more than 650 in Allegheny County alone. Winter is the peak season for home fires. Be the neighbor who shows up when it matters most by responding to disasters in your local community. Visit redcross.org/localresponse to volunteer.
WHO: American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Emergency Services
WHERE: Allegheny County Fire Academy (700 W. Ridge Rd., Allison Park, PA 15101)
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at 1 p.m.
WHAT: Press conference and burn demonstration to raise awareness during Fire Prevention Week
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/greaterpa. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.