Buffalo firefighters hold open houses

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo firefighters welcomed visitors Saturday and helped city residents make sure they're safe in case of fire.

Engines 31 and 23 on Bailey Avenue held open houses to mark Fire Prevention Month. Visitors received free smoke detectors or free batteries to put in their existing devices. Firefighters know smoke detectors can save lives.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield said, "Early intervention, early warnings about fire, saves people's lives. For a very small amount of money, small amount of effort we can save people's lives in the community so we want to make sure everyone has a smoke detector in their home."

The city held a total of seven open houses at fire stations this month.