No reputable company selling well-made fire safety components for the home is scamming the public into buying smoke detectors, extinguishers etc.

Every home should be equipped with at the very least one smoke detector. Smoke detectors do save lives. Fires need not be raging infernos to kill - smoke inhalation can. These detectors provide early warnings to house occupants to get out whilst it is still possible. One of the most common causes of house fires is chip pan or grease pan fires. A home fire extinguisher is handy to have around. Preventative measures such as these not only saves lives but will also help protect property. That is why many countries have fire regulations for public buildings. But it is really up to the owner for private homes. Some insurance companies may lower your premiums if you have installed smoke detectors.

According to following website, about half of home fire deaths come from fires in the small percentage of home with no smoke alarms:

http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=278&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fact%20sheets/Fire%20protection%20equipment/Smoke%20alarms&cookie%5Ftest=1#a

Here are some articles from US govt agencies :

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/safety/alarms/

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_fire_w005.aspx

Unfortunately smoking (as in cigarettes) do cause a lot of harm worldwide. A lot of house fires are started due to negligence:

http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/news/smokingdisaster_costs.html

Hope this helps.

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