Skip to content Skip to footer

Smoke Alarms in Dwellings

August 21, 2024

Olympia- Working smoke alarms significantly improve the chances of surviving a fire as every second counts in an emergency. In 2023, Washington State fire agencies reported that fire fatalities in dwellings without working smoke alarms accounted for 71% of the total residential fire fatalities. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the likelihood of surviving a home fire doubles in a home with working smoke alarms.

In addition to Washington State’s adopted building and fire codes, RCW 43.44.110 regulates smoke detection devices in dwelling units occupied by persons other than the owner on and after December 31, 1981, built or manufactured in this state after December 31, 1980, or sold on or after July 1, 2019.

Provisions stated within RCW 43.44.110:

    • Smoke detectors used by residents must meet national standards for design, manufacture, and installation.
    • Owners are responsible for installing at least one functioning smoke alarm.
    • Tenants are required to maintain and change batteries in the smoke alarms.

Local fire departments, county fire marshals, or other local designated fire officials may enforce penalties of:

    • $200 for non-compliance.
    • $5,000 if a fire causes property damage, injury, or the death of a tenant.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages everyone residing in Washington State to ensure their dwelling has a working smoke alarm.

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

###

Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Mikaila Hayes

Contact us

Mailing Address
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42600
Olympia, WA 98504

Physical Address
Washington State Patrol
Helen Sommers Building
106 11th Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501

Wsp accessibility

The Washington State Patrol is firmly committed to providing an environment that provides the public fair and equal treatment and equal access to its benefits, programs and services as required by state and federal laws. If you require reasonable accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act, or would like to file a grievance please click on the following link:  WSP Public Accessibility and Grievance Process

Follow us

© 2025 Washington State Patrol.