Cleveland has already had six fatal fires so far in 2016, a pace that would exceed the record of 25 fatal fires in 2006, the highest total in more than 12 years.
newsnet5.com show its video of the fatal blaze that took place on W. 99 Street on March 2. Firefighters did all they could to save the homeowner and his dog.
Cleveland's Interim Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo said he is thinking about using the video, shot by WEWS videographer Mike Vielhaber for firefighter training.
Chief Calvillo explained his department will soon be increasing community outreach through itsOperation Save a Life Program through the American Red Cross in an effort to distribute free smoke detectors.
Last year, the program distributed 1,700 detectors, and the Red Cross and the Cleveland Fire Department look to hand out more than 2,500 in 2016.
Calvillo showed newsnet5.com statistics that indicated that in 60 percent of Cleveland fatal fires, the home or building involved did not have working smoke detectors.
"Smoke detectors are your first line of defense," said Calvillo.
"People think it will never happen to them, but life is just one of those things where there is always a possibility that something is going to happen. With fires if you're not prepared and you don't have smoke alarms in place, it could be a tragedy."
Cleveland residents can obtain a free smoke detector by calling 216-361-5535.
