THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 17, 2025 Page 7 State Fire Marshal and Fire Chiefs Make Statewide Push on Expired Smoke Alarms Alarms installed Shortly After 2015 Fire Code Change Should be Replaced Special to The Advocate S TOW—State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) are teaming up this month to draw attention to a wave of smoke alarms that are nearing the end of their useful lifespans. In 2015, a change to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code set a new requirement that replacement smoke alarms in most Massachusetts homes have a sealed, 10-year battery and a “hush” feature. This requirement reduces the likelihood that residents will disable the device after a nuisance alarm from cooking smoke or remove the batteries for use in another device. The long-life batteries in these alarms are reliable only for 10 years. For that reason, the alarms purchased and put into service by early adopters of this code change may no Fire service leaders from across Massachusetts emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms in every home and offered tips on how to choose devices that will offer the best protection while reducing nuisance alarms. (Courtesy Photo) longer be reliable soon. “Smoke alarms are like any other appliance – they don’t last forever,” said Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell, who serves as FCAM President. “Right now, the alarms that were purchased and put into service 10 years ago are reaching the end of their useful lifespan. Our concern is that a wave of smoke alarms in homes across Massachusetts won’t be reliable in the months ahead.” Chief Purcell kicked off the month-long push yesterday at a press conference with State Fire Marshal Davine, Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman, and fire chiefs from across Massachusetts. “Every smoke alarm should have a manufacturing date printed on the back of the device,” said Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, who serves as FCAM’s First Vice President. “If it’s more than 10 years old, or if it doesn’t have a date, replace it right away. If it’s not 10 years old and it takes alkaline batteries, this is a great time to put fresh batteries in to be sure you’re protected through the winter.” Chief Nardelli will host a press conference at the Brockton Fire Department on October 9 to promote the smoke alarm safety message for news media in Southeastern Massachusetts. “When it ’s time to re - place your smoke alarms, we strongly recommend choosing new alarms that meet UL Standard 217, 8th Edition or later,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Look for that language on the packaging or the product specifications. These devices use the latest multi-criteria technology, which helps to prevent nuisance alarms caused by cooking smoke.” “Sealed-battery smoke alarms are powered by lithium-ion batteries, so please don’t put them in your household trash or recycling,” said Easthampton Fire Chief Christopher Norris, who serves as FCAM’s Second Vice President. “If they’re crushed or SMOKE ALARMS | SEE PAGE 9 The Committee to Elect Alfred Lattanzi Candidate for Everett Ward 6 City Councilor Cordially Invite You To A FALL FUNDRAISING RECEPTION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ANTHONY’S OF MALDEN 105 CANAL STREET MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS FOOD AND CASH BAR SUGGESTED DONATIONS $25/ $50 / $100 / $250 / $500 DONATE AT EVENT For Tickets, Call (617) 594-0455 (Paid Pol. Adv.)
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