Award shows importance of smoke detectors

STAFF REPORT

CHAMPION — Four members of a family who survived a fire at their home on U.S. Route 422 in Champion were honored Wednesday with the Smoke Detector on Guard Award from the state fire marshal and the Champion Township Fire Department.

The Abbott family, Carter and Starla, their infant son, Justin, and Starla’s sister, Erica Chermanski, were alerted to a fire in their home about 4 a.m. Dec. 14 by a smoke detector and got out safely, said Champion Fire Chief John Hickey.

There were no injuries.

The fire caused more than $100,000 in damage and could well have been fatal if not for the smoke alarm on the main floor of the ranch-style home near Templeton Road, Hickey said.

A wood-burning stove started the fire in the basement and burned a hole in the part of the first floor near the main exit point of the house, Hickey said.

“Luckily, they got out when they did,” Hickey said. “Without the smoke detectors, the family probably would not have had the early warning they needed to safely exit the home.”

“The Smoke D.O.G. Award recognizes citizens like Justin, Starla, Carter and Erica who have saved the lives of their family by responding to the warning sound of a smoke detector,” said Interim State Fire Marshal Donald Cooper.

“It is important to have working smoke detectors. Much like a guard dog, a smoke detector stands watch over the home both day and night.”

“The facts speak clearly: Working smoke detectors save lives and also double individuals’ chances of escaping a fire,” said Cooper. “I encourage all Ohioans to make sure their smoke detectors are properly placed, regularly tested and maintained. By taking the time to test them monthly, you might save your life, the lives of your family members and your property if fire ever breaks out in your home.”

The Abbott family was presented with the Smoke D.O.G. Award on Wednesday at the Champion Township Fire Department.