MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (September 30, 2025) – Berkeley County firefighters will be installing smoke detectors free of charge in October in observance of Fire Prevention Week. Installations will be done on weekdays, between 10 AM and 6 PM.
“Thanks to funding support from the Berkeley County Fire Service Board, we will be going door-to-door to install smoke detectors in homes across the county,” Berkeley County Fire Lt. Steve Shawyer said. “Fire safety is very personal for me and this is an opportunity to help save lives.”
Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11, 2025) has been sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) since 1922. The theme for 2025 is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your home.”
Individuals who would like to have a smoke detector installed in their residence should contact the local volunteer fire department in their area.
- Back Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Department
- Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Department
- Bedington Volunteer Fire Department
- Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Co.
- South Berkeley Volunteer Fire Co.
Berkeley County Fire Service Board Administrative Director Donna Cross said the “bulk purchase” of smoke detectors for next month’s fire safety project is similar to an initiative that was done about 10 years ago.
“We provide funding for the purchase of smoke detectors for the fire departments on a regular basis. The local fire departments are always willing to install smoke detectors where needed.”
About the Berkeley County Fire Department
Recognized as the first certified county fire department in West Virginia in 2022 by the West Virginia Fire Commission, Berkeley County Fire Department career firefighters utilize the fire apparatus of the county’s five volunteer departments and work side-by-side with the volunteer firefighters as part of a collaboration between the Berkeley County Fire Service Board and Berkeley County Commission.
About the Berkeley County Fire Service Board
Established in 1986 to provide for the improvement, advancement and development of fire services, Berkeley County Fire Service Board Inc., is funded through the collection of fire fees based upon square footage of residential and commercial properties.
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