Open burning is not just a fire issue, but an environmental issue as well. The current ordinance for new homes requires a smoke detector on each level, one in each bedroom, and a heat detector in the garage. When one device activates they will all activate and make noise. This is a standard that every home should and could be upgraded to. Call an electrician to have an improved smoke detector system installed.
Attic access provides the ability to run interconnection wires to each bedroom.
Smoke detectors without battery back-up should be replaced. Some people have turned off the circuit breaker that supplies electricity to the detectors. The same model of smoke detector was used in all of these homes. These detectors have high malfunction rate and must be replaced. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to have an electrician replace the detectors with batteries for back-up protection.