HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) will host its 21st annual Free Pizza/Smoke Alarm Night on July 10 with community partner Cici’s. For the first time, community members can preorder their pizza.

The event allows Harrisonburg residents to order a free, large cheese pizza, delivered by fire personnel and volunteers on fire apparatus who will check smoke alarms. The program aims to conduct as many smoke alarm inspections as possible while replacing necessary smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and batteries and educate families on fire escape plans and prevention.

Free Pizza/Smoke Alarm Night is only available to Harrisonburg residents.

“This incredible event has made such a huge difference in the community over more than two decades,” HFD Chief Matthew Tobia said. “We are so grateful to all of you in our community who have allowed us into your homes over the years so we can help keep you and your family safe. This is a great partnership between the women and men of the Harrisonburg Fire Department and those we work hard to serve every day.”

“We are hoping that preorders allow us to serve our community and the Pizza Night process more efficiently,” HFD Public Education Officer Lt. Erin Stehle said. “Taking orders ahead of the event will let us plan out our delivery routes and give us more time interacting with our community members.”

In 2021, over half of home fire deaths in the country were due to the lack of smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoke alarms save lives by alerting occupants to smoke or fire and are essential for every home.

Free Pizza/Smoke Alarm Night makes it easier for local families as fire personnel and volunteers will make corrections to smoke alarms when they deliver pizza to ensure the safety of all residents.

“The reason this event is such a benefit to our community is that it allows the fire department to check and replace smoke alarms as needed, as well as have personal interactions with residents about fire safety in a non-emergency setting,” Stehle added. “Over the years, we have seen so many homes that need working smoke alarms. People may not even realize their alarms are no longer working. But we’re here to help and bring you a pizza at the same time!”

Participants should call 540-432-7703 or visit www.harrisonburgva.gov/pizza-night to preorder their pizza before 8 a.m. on July 8. Limited ordering will be available on the event day.

Harrisonburg residents who are unable to participate on July 10 can call the HFD Administrative Office at 540-432-7703 during business hours, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to have their smoke alarms checked for free throughout the year.