Few events hit as hard as a home fire, but today's home technology offers more ways to help protect yourself, far beyond the basic fire alarms and smoke detectors of years past. From space heater dangers to surprise heat waves, many problems can increase the risk of home fires -- but some devices can fight back. 

From monitoring for electrical fires to getting important app alerts about potential fire hazards, these are my favorite products to help keep your home safe from the flames.

Note: Always check your state regulations to see if you need a wired smoke detector vs. a battery model, and where they need to be placed. 

Ring- and Google-supported smoke alarms

Kidde's new partnership with Ring has led to extra-easy app management. Tyler Lacoma/CNET

I recently tested a promising new smoke detector for 2025 -- a collaboration between home security brand Ring and one of our favorite fire safety names, Kidde.

This smoke detector uses a Kidde design combined with Ring technology to give it smart features and useful alerts. And the Ring app provides alerts, updates, low battery warnings and more information. It's a valuable combo, especially if you already use Ring devices, and it even offers an optional monitoring plan for added protection. 

But that's not all smoke alarm companies have been working on. Since Google's Nest Protect detector has been discontinued, First Alert is picking up the slack with a series that still supports Nest Protect smart functions, but with an updated model. It's a great choice if your home runs on Google Home, offering similar app alerts and benefits.

Kidde voice alert smoke detector

Kidde's voice alert detector is a great option for people who want to stay away from apps. Kidde

If you don't care about Ring compatibility, our next stop is the latest photoelectric battery model from Kidde. It has excellent specs and Kidde smoke detectors reliably test well on our speed and smoke detection exams. The model has handy voice alarms that tell you what's wrong, like "Fire" vs. "Replace batteries" so you know what to expect. The design also helps reduce false alarms from things like candles or cooking. Just ensure you get a wired version if your building codes require a hardwired smoke detector in certain spots.

SimpliSafe home security smoke detector

If your home security system supports smoke detectors, tap into this compatibility.  SimpliSafe

If you already have a security system, you should start by looking for fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that your system already supports, so it can monitor and control them along with other sensors. Most home security systems offer devices like this, but SimpliSafe's is an ideal example of how it works. It works via the SimpliSafe app, is designed for accuracy and can tap into SimpliSafe's 24/7 home monitoring service if you choose to subscribe.

Ting electrical fault detectors

Monitoring devices like Ting are made with electrical fires in mind. Ting/Whisker Labs

A hidden cause of home fires is problems with wiring, which can be more common in older homes. If your home is high-risk, you may consider a monitoring solution like Ting, with plug-in devices that monitor your home electricity and watch for signs of faults. Ting says it can statistically stop four out of five home electrical fires with this kind of monitoring, and you may even get a credit amount to help pay for wiring repair.

Alexa Emergency Assist

Alexa Emergency Assist can listen for fire alarms among other services.  Amazon

What happens when you aren't home or can't quickly deal with a fire? A service like Alexa Emergency Assist could be the right answer if you want to go beyond detectors. It's relatively affordable compared to home monitoring plans at $6 per month, and Alexa has some valuable tricks, like the ability to listen for smoke alarms and send your phone a message about them, no matter where you are. The service can also put you in contact with an agent who can call the fire department and take other important steps.

First Alert rechargeable fire extinguisher

First Alert

There's not really any such thing as a "smart" fire extinguisher -- they are already quite efficient at what they do. And if your home doesn't have a fire extinguisher within easy reach (especially in the kitchen, where many fires can start), it's time to add one. Technically, this First Alert model is made for garages, but you can use it anywhere. It's durable, rechargeable, and ready even for grease and chemical fires.

A pan/tilt camera from Arlo that can spot fires for you

When not in use, Arlo's cam turns down to indicate a privacy mode in a surprisingly cute way. Tyler Lacoma/CNET

As home security AI continues to evolve, Arlo is working to teach its cams new types of object recognition. In its latest camera lineup -- including its Essential pan/tilt indoor model -- Arlo adds flame detection, sending text alerts when fire is spotted. Since seconds matter when it comes to house fires, the camera may be able to spot flames before smoke builds to reach smoke detectors, giving you a chance to jump into action earlier. These cameras can also be connected to a professional monitoring plan -- and at $50, they're not too pricey for a home upgrade.

Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2025: Installed and Tested See at Cnet

To learn more about home safety, consult our master list of home security topics, see the best DIY home security systems, and check out the worst home security myths people still believe.

Don't miss any of CNET's unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome.