Why most homes in Spain don't have smoke detectors or fire alarms

Depending where you're from, the lack of fire alarms and smoke detectors in people’s homes in Spain is most likely surprising to you, perhaps even concerning.

Data from fire extinguisher manufacturers Finding Life Project reveals that only one in four homes in Spain has a smoke detector.

It’s not that Spain hasn’t had its fair share of tragic fire disasters. During the most recent Christmas season in 2025-2026, 21 people died in house fires between December 24th and January 6th, almost double the number from the previous year.

In 2024, 162 deaths were recorded in 19,411 fires, the second highest figure in recent years after the 173 deaths in 2023.

Despite the evidence and the advice, however, most people here simply don’t think about installing them here.

This is mainly because there is currently no general countrywide law to state that the installation of smoke detectors in all homes already built in Spain is mandatory.

The regulations that do exist require the installation of smoke detectors in public buildings such as hotels, hospitals, schools etc.

The main rule for smoke detectors and fire alarms in private homes is a draft amendment to the Technical Building Code (CTE) that introduces a specific requirement primarily for new builds, complete renovations etc, not for all housing in general.

For these types of homes or construction projects, the draft law states:

• At least one stand alone smoke alarm per floor of the house is required, located on the ceiling or near the access to the bedrooms.
• If a detection and alarm system already exists in those areas (with detectors connected to a control unit and alarm devices covering those areas), a self-powered, autonomous alarm is not be necessary.

It’s important to remember, however that this is only a draft law and is not automatically law until it has been approval and published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).

There is, however, one city in Spain which does have a specific rule on smoke detectors and fire alarms.

In Valladolid, the City Council introduced a new regulation in March 2025 stating that the installation of smoke detectors is mandatory for all homes in the municipality, including those already built.

In December 2025, Barcelona also has announced its intention to make smoke detectors mandatory in homes, but as of yet, nothing has been made official.

More recently in April of this year, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni announced that the city would make smoke detectors mandatory in new build homes starting in 2027.

READ ALSO: What to do and what to avoid if you see a wildfire in Spain

Whatever the law says about smoke detectors or alarms in the home, however, it’s a good idea to install them as they could save your life.

According to Micex Seguridad, operating in the Security and Fire Protection sector, “Smoke detectors are one of the most effective measures for detecting a fire early, particularly at night”.

They are very easy to install on your own without a professional and are inexpensive, starting from around €15 for a basic one.

They can be purchased online, in hardware shops or larger DIY stores like Leroy Merlin.

Micex advises that people install detectors with a CE marking indicating it complies with European Union health, safety, and environmental standards.

They also advise "placing them in hallways or corridors, so that the detector alerts you when smoke reaches that area, and to avoid placing them in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, or near fireplaces to reduce false alarms".

There are many different types of alarms to choose from, including those with heat and flame sensors as well as smoke. You can also get alarms that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide at once. It’s best to get advice from a professional to see which one you should use, depending on the type of home you have.

Because many people live in apartments in Spain it’s also recommended to think about escape routes and other fire safety equipment, not just detectors.

You may want to invest in a small fire extinguisher to stop fires from spreading, fire blankets either to put out fires or to wrap yourself in, as well as fire escape ladders which you can use to escape from a window or balcony, in case the stairwell is not accessible during a blaze.