Recent data highlights an alarming situation: Spain recorded 21 deaths in residential fires between December 24 and January 6. In 2024, 162 fatalities were counted in 19,411 incidents. Primary causes include electrical overload and the increasing number of elderly people living alone.
“"If you look at the statistics, most fires happen at night and evolve very quickly. Detectors are not very expensive, and the warning gives you time to leave the house or, if you can't, to close the room you are in before the smoke spreads."
Intoxication by smoke or toxic gases causes nearly 70% of fatalities. Experts deem the use of a smoke detector, available from 15 euros, "essential," following the example of neighboring countries like France and Germany, where they are mandatory.
According to the latest Study of fire victims in Spain, prepared by the Professional Association of Fire Technicians and the Mapfre Foundation, only one in four Spanish homes currently has these devices. They are more common in younger households and among families with higher incomes.
Mandatory installation could be extended across Spain by 2026. Last November, a formal step was taken to include compulsory smoke detector installation in newly built homes through the new Technical Building Code (CTE), scheduled to take effect throughout 2026.
“"Our recommendation is always to install it. Since it emits an enormous sound intensity when you are sleeping, you can wake up and get out of the house."
