LA JOYA – Fire officials in La Joya are teaming up with American Red Cross to provide homes with free smoke detectors.

Fire officials are urging homeowners to make sure they have the life-saving device in their homes.

La Joya resident Emilio Tovar says he knows the importance of having a working detector.

"It's important because it could prevent a tragedy," says Tovar.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes without smoke alarms.

La Joya Fire Chief Frank Salinas says he has seen a handful of tragedies due to homes not having smoke detectors.

Since the smoke detector program started Friday afternoon, Salinas says smoke detectors have been installed in more than 30 homes.

Those interested in a smoke detector should contact the city of La Joya’s Fire Department.

For more information, watch the video above.