The Reading Warehouse

On December 17, 2005, the city of Barre lost four kids and their mom in the worst fire the city has ever had. Just before Christmas in an apartment protected by three working smoke detectors, this family never got out. In fact, this family never even knew there was a fire until it was too late. The only person able to get out was only able to by chance. Of all the things this individual said after the fire, most disturbing was the lack of any smoke alarms sounding. An apartment full of toxic smoke with working smoke alarms and yet they all remained silent.

That morning was filled with devastation, triumph, acts of incredible heroism and bravery, an injured firefighter and four others almost making the ultimate sacrifice. Everyone who was there had their own lives torn apart and will never be the same again.

This fire rocked our community to its core and yet it's a scenario that is played out all over the world. In the months that followed this fire, we learned why the smoke alarms didn't sound. We also learned why smoke alarms all over the world will not sound today, leaving all the occupants in extreme danger should their home burn.

This is not only a story about some of the greatest men and women on the face of this earth, but a tribute to the victims from that morning. Inside, you will learn what they didn't know so that you can protect your family from the risk of fire. At the end of the day, these people will have died so that you may live.