Barcelona is considering a new measure that could affect all homeowners and renters: city authorities plan to make smoke detectors mandatory in apartments. This initiative is part of a major strategic plan to boost the city’s preparedness for emergencies and reduce the impact of residential fires.
At a special press conference, representatives from the city council and the fire department shared details of the upcoming changes. They emphasized that prevention and public awareness are the main priorities. Officials noted that most residential fire incidents could have been prevented if alarms had sounded in time. In the coming months, a major public information campaign is planned, along with additional inspections of gas equipment in homes.
Fire statistics
In the first eleven months of this year, Barcelona’s firefighters responded to over 23,000 calls. Nearly two thousand of these incidents involved fires or explosions in residential properties. That accounts for about 8% of all cases—on average, five calls per day. Experts stress that most of these fires are caused by carelessness or improper use of household appliances.
The winter period is considered particularly dangerous, as residents are more likely to use heaters, radiators, and other electrical appliances. During this season, the risk of short circuits and electrical overheating rises sharply. Firefighters remind the public not to overload sockets and never to leave appliances unattended while they are switched on. Additionally, in recent years, there has been an increase in fires associated with charging electric scooters and other mobile devices.
Smoke detectors: a simple solution
Introducing mandatory smoke detectors is seen as an effective measure that could save lives. According to fire service representatives, these devices are inexpensive — about 15 euros — but can alert residents to a fire in time, especially at night, when the risk of missing a fire is particularly high. Authorities believe widespread adoption of detectors will significantly reduce the number of tragic incidents.
As part of the new strategy, there are also plans to tighten control over the condition of gas lines and household wiring. Firefighters will conduct more frequent preventive inspections, and residents will receive more information about safety rules. Detailed instructions and guidelines for the public are expected to be published soon.
Technology for safety
In addition to installing smoke detectors, the city has introduced a new fully electric ambulance. This is the first of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula, and it is already operational. The new equipment will not only improve emergency response times but also help reduce harmful emissions.
Authorities emphasize that ensuring the safety of residents is becoming a top priority for the coming years. As part of the strategic plan, other initiatives will also be developed to protect the population from various risks related to the urban environment and climate change.
In case you didn’t know, Albert Batlle serves as the third deputy mayor of Barcelona and oversees public safety. The city’s fire department, led by Sebastià Massagué, is considered one of the most advanced in Spain. In recent years, Barcelona has actively implemented innovative solutions in civil protection and emergency response, allowing the city to remain one of the safest major metropolitan areas in Europe.
