EXETER — Joanne Ruckle cannot get the image of a fatal fire last week at Birchwood Estates Trailer Park out of her mind.

The fire killed 61-year-old Donna Mishanski, who did not have smoke detectors in her home.

On Jan. 21, when Ruckle, a resident of the trailer park, saw representatives from the American Red Cross and local fire companies making their way into the park to distribute and install smoke detectors, she was relieved.

Although there were several smoke detectors in Ruckle’s home, volunteers told her none of them were functional.

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As they assessed the floor plan of the home, firemen explained where the detectors should go and why.

Lynn Muchler, a Red Cross volunteer, was on hand to explain to recipients of the smoke detectors the importance of checking them once a month. She had them sign forms, indicating they understood.

Muchler said that, as a volunteer, she provides information about fire safety to residents, young and old, to minimize the risk of fire.

Bill Goldsworthy, executive director of the American Red Cross of Wyoming Valley, said after the fire, both the Red Cross and fire crews from Exeter and Wyoming sprung into action to schedule the event.

Although officials did investigate the fire and some at the event speculated as to the cause, Goldsworthy said it went beyond the specifics of the incident.

“Our goal is to simply make sure that people are safe — to prevent tragedy,” he said.

The event brought out 30 volunteers from the American Red Cross and, according to Goldsworthy, over 5,000 smoke detectors have been installed by the Red Cross in the last several years, with teams going out into the community in response to need.

AJ Jones, assistant fire chief for Wyoming Hose Company No. 1, said he was impressed with the turnout.

“When I got here, I thought there was only going to be a handful of people,” he said. “But there were swarms of volunteers.”

Fire personnel were also available throughout the trailer park to provide information and for the occasional photo with a child sitting in the fire truck.

Exeter fire policeman Bob Adams said that was what the event was all about.

“Not only are we providing smoke detectors to members of the community, they’re getting to know us and we’re getting to know them.” he said. “When we’re at the scene of a fire, you recognize other firemen, members of the media, Red Cross volunteers.”

Goldsworthy said the smoke detectors were paid for with funding from various sources, including UGI, a major contributor to the effort of equipping homes with smoke detectors.

“Usually in a house, you have about two minutes to get out. In a trailer, you have even less,” said Goldsworthy. “Every minute counts.”

Red Cross volunteers John Cardieri, of Wyoming, and Mary Richards, of Wilkes-Barre, walk from tralier to trailer in Birchwood Estates in Exeter asking residents if they need smoke detectors installed in their homes.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_ttl012217smokedetctors-1.jpg.optimal.jpgRed Cross volunteers John Cardieri, of Wyoming, and Mary Richards, of Wilkes-Barre, walk from tralier to trailer in Birchwood Estates in Exeter asking residents if they need smoke detectors installed in their homes. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

Volunteer Wyoming firefighter Jared Jones sits in the fire truck while talking to Assistant Chief AJ Jones during a smoke detector distribution at Birchwood Estates in Exeter.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_ttl012217smokedetectors-4.jpg.optimal.jpgVolunteer Wyoming firefighter Jared Jones sits in the fire truck while talking to Assistant Chief AJ Jones during a smoke detector distribution at Birchwood Estates in Exeter. Amanda Hrycyna | For Sunday Dispatch

By Geri Gibbons

ggibbons@timesleader.com

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons.