OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to develop and practice home fire escape plans, emphasizing that a fire can spread rapidly, leaving only one to two minutes to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds.

According to a survey by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), while 71 percent of American households have an escape plan, only 47 percent have practiced it. Additionally, only 8 percent of respondents indicated that their first reaction to a smoke alarm would be to evacuate immediately.

In 2024, 55 out of the 72 fire fatalities reported in Washington occurred in areas without confirmed working smoke alarms. The State Fire Marshal’s Office stresses the importance of both functioning alarms and a well-practiced escape plan to increase survival chances.

Residents are encouraged to follow these safety recommendations:

• Create a home escape plan by drawing a map of the residence, identifying all doors and windows, and discussing it with household members.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every floor.
• Identify at least two exit routes from each room and ensure doors and windows open easily.
• Establish an outdoor meeting location at a safe distance from the home.
• Conduct fire drills twice a year, both during the day and at night, using different exit routes.
• Teach children how to escape on their own if necessary.
• Close doors when leaving to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Assign assistance for household members with mobility limitations and designate a backup helper.

For additional information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904.