EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Fire officials in Easthampton held a press conference on Wednesday, urging residents to check their smoke detectors, as many may be nearing the end of their lifespan.

State and local fire officials warned that smoke alarms installed in 2015, which are required by Massachusetts fire code to have a sealed 10-year battery life, are approaching the end of their usefulness (meets UL-217 8th edition or later). Residents are encouraged to replace these alarms to ensure safety.

"Last year, almost 40% of the state's residential fire deaths took place between October and December, and tragically, we found working smoke alarms at only one-third of these deadly fires," said Massachusetts Fire Marshal Jon Davine.

The press conference in Easthampton was part of a series of

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