Functioning smoke alarms save lives

In the valley last month, there were five structure fires.

It is an appropriate time to remind the community that in the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household.

This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.

Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning.

For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.

Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufactures' installation instructions.

In standard-type battery-powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8 to 10 years.

The Bigfork Fire Department and Trustees would like to thank Ed and Mary Loney for donating a 1998 Ford pickup to the department.

I would like to thank Steve Melkoity and the high school auto shop for painting the treads and platforms for our training facilities.

The Bigfork Fire Department responded to 12 incidents for the month of January: chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue (2), land medical helicopter (1), medical assist, assist EMS crew (1), motor vehicle accident with no injuries (3), gas leak (natural or LPG) (1) and power line down (4).

We responded with an average of 5.5 firefighters per incident.

Top responders were Capt. Marvin Gielen (8) and firefighters Chad Oster (7) and Eric Underhill (7).

Loeffler is the chief of the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department.