FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2022
Charlottesville Fire Department Deploys Fire Prevention Devices Throughout City Neighborhoods
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Fire Department will deploy state-of-the-art, 21st century stovetop fire stop devices, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms in September.
The Charlottesville Fire Department in collaboration with the Office of Community Solutions has secured $74,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded in FY22. The city received seven-hundred-eighty (780) stovetop firestop devices, five hundred seventy (570) smoke alarms, and five hundred twenty-two (522) carbon dioxide alarms. Council approved these funds on February 7, 2022.
As a result of the Neighborhood Risk Assessment (NRA) and eligibility for updated equipment, the 10th and Page neighborhood was chosen as the first deployment area of the city’s nineteen (19) neighborhoods to receive at least 51% of the devices. The 10th and Page neighborhood also met the Community Development Block Grant criteria. Additional deployment areas will be based on data available using the NRA.
The stovetop firestop devices will assist homeowners in automatically extinguishing unattended cooking fires. The units have a six-year life cycle. Deputy Chief Michael Thomas states, “based on the manufacturer’s specifications, the devices do not require maintenance or inspections, thus appropriate for deployment in our community.”
As the CFD continues its focus on risk mitigation and enhanced community safety, these initiatives will help keep our citizens safe and prepared in case of a life-threatening incident. CFD will partner with the local Red Cross and other stakeholders to assist with the deployment of the devices.
Media Contacts
Michael Thomas, Deputy Fire Chief
thomasm@charlottesville.gov
(434) 970-3528
Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator
Office of Community Solution
atake@charlottesville.gov
(434) 970-3093
