Cumberland County Fire Marshal highlights smoke alarm installs, lithium-ion battery fire risks during Fire Prevention Month

Fire Marshal Kevin Louder of Cumberland County Emergency Services gave commissioners an update Oct. 6 on the county's fire prevention activities, emphasizing smoke alarm installations and growing concerns about lithium‑ion battery fires.

Louder said the county has installed 2,086 smoke alarms and 122 carbon‑monoxide alarms over the past 18 months through its countywide smoke alarm and home safety risk assessment program. He said the county has secured about $80,000 in grants and donations to support the effort and that commissioners approved a $10,000 line item in the FY 2026 budget to help purchase alarms when donations run short.

Louder noted that unattended cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and fatalities in Cumberland County and that lithium‑ion batteries have become an increasing local concern; the county offers safety programs and school outreach addressing storage and charging of such batteries.

The fire marshal described a two‑page home safety risk assessment the county uses to identify household risks and connect residents with services. He said residents can request an assessment or a free smoke alarm install by scanning a QR code on the Fire Marshal's web page or by using the county website to find the Fire Marshal's link.

Deputy Fire Marshal Jason Wells and local fire department personnel were shown in program photos performing alarm checks and installs during the presentation. Commissioners thanked the fire service for its outreach; the report was provided for information only and no board action was taken.