Smoke detection is the process of identifying the presence of smoke in an environment, which is often an early sign of fire. Smoke detectors are devices designed to sense smoke and alert occupants through alarms. They can be found in homes, offices, and public buildings, providing an essential safety feature. There are different types of smoke detectors, including ionization and photoelectric models. Ionization detectors are more responsive to flaming fires, while photoelectric detectors are better at sensing smoldering fires. Regular maintenance, such as testing and replacing batteries, is crucial to ensure their effectiveness in emergencies.