St. Catharines Fire Services is sounding the alarm regarding properly working smoke alarms following three fires in nine days.

Two of the three fires were caused by careless cooking.

The latest fire started Monday morning and sent a young person to hospital with smoke inhalation and severe burns to his head and arms.

A careless cooking fire claimed the life of a woman and three dogs last weekend at a Davidson Street home.

A third fire Monday night, in the basement of a vacant property which spread to its second floor, is still under investigation.

Deputy Fire Chief Dave Wood says that smoke alarms are not optional, they are required by law.

The fire department wants to remind you that a working smoke alarm is required on every level of a home, including outside bedrooms.

Not having them can land you a hefty fine.

For information on smoke alarms and fire safety, call St. Catharines Fire Services at 905.688.5601 ext. 4224 or email fs@stcatharines.ca.