World wide about 100 000 children die each year in fires, most of which occur in the home.¹ Smoke detectors, by giving early warning, can substantially reduce the risk of death in the event of a residential fire.² Many countries and states have therefore enacted legislation in an attempt to increase the prevalence of smoke detector use. The form of legislation introduced is likely to reflect a range of practical, economic, and ideological constraints. Legislation might apply to all housing or only new …