May 22, 2013
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A blaze that killed a father and four children in eastern Kentucky has led to a renewed focus on fire prevention.
Pike County Firefighters Association President Randy Courtney told the Appalachian News-Express that nine of the 26 fire departments in the county met recently in an effort to form a group dedicated to fire prevention. In addition, fire departments across the county are handing out free smoke alarms to area residents thanks to a donation from Kidde Fire Safety. Courtney says local businesses have pledged money to purchase more when those run out.
The efforts stem from the Jan. 6 blaze in Jonancy that killed a father and four small children and severely injured their mother.
Fire officials say the home did not have a smoke detector.
