The Bridgeport Fire Department urged the public Saturday to take advantage of the city's free smoke detector program.

Officials said there is "a dramatic spike" in both residential and commercial fires every year during the cold weather months.

"There are fires that occur and, unfortunately, they're in homes that don't have working smoke alarms, so the key is for early notification. That's why we stress the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home," said Fire Department Chief Lance Edwards.

"It is heartbreaking, especially this time of year, to hear the call and respond and see a family displaced, hopefully, in a situation where we can provide some services afterwards, but we want to prevent that situation," said Mayor Joe Ganim.

Officials said they will install free smoke detectors in one and two-family homes, and in three-family homes that are owner-occupied.