Residential Smoke Detector Program

How it works

The Lancaster Bureau of Fire runs a residential smoke detector program for owner-occupied properties in Lancaster City. For eligible and approved applicants, the city provides 10-year lithium smoke detectors and installs them at no charge to the homeowner.

What the service covers

This is a smoke detector placement and installation service, not a general repair grant. The page says the program is for homes where functioning smoke detectors are not present or are in the wrong locations. It also notes that the city requires working smoke detectors to be installed in specific locations under the adopted fire code, including outside sleeping areas, in each bedroom or sleeping area, and on every habitable floor excluding kitchens and bathrooms. Basements, cellars, and attics are included.

Timing and availability

The program is offered year-round, but it depends on detector availability. The page says the detectors are provided to the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire by the Lancaster City Fire Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the bureau and its efforts.

Important limits

The service is available only for owner-occupied properties in Lancaster City. Rental units are not eligible. The page also says the free installation is available for one instance per eligible homeowner.

How to apply

Applicants must complete and sign the application and liability forms. The page links a document called “Application for Residential Smoke Alarms” under Documents & Resources.

Contact

The page lists the Fire Marshal contact number as (717) 291-4869 and the email as [email protected].