AFD goes door to door for smoke alarms

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Barely two days removed from the fires that killed three people in the early morning hours, Austin Fire Department returned to both neighborhoods.

This time they were trying to fight fires before they start.

“"It is tough, especially when it is with kids,”" said Lt. Earl Franklin.

The 31-year fire department veteran was among a group of firefighters going door to door in both neighborhoods Thursday evening.

At every home, firefighters would check the smoke detectors to make sure they were working and install new ones if needed.

They were also passing out safety brochures with information on fire strategies families should know if ever the situation arises.

"“Everyone has heard it but sometimes things get foggy,”" said Franklin. "“It is not something you repeatedly hear."

AFD had nearly 200 smoke detectors they were prepared to install -- by the end of the night, they had installed 100 smoke detectors.

The door-to-door technique is one the department used to practice in random neighborhoods. But they have started using it in neighborhoods where tragedy is still fresh in the mind of neighbors.

They say it is a teachable moment.

“"We want to come in here and educate them," Franklin said. "It is easy and there is no resistance to the program.”"