Local News Briefs — July 26

AKRONCity gets fire grantAKRON: The city received a federal grant of about $84,000 that will be used to purchase and install smoke detectors, conduct home safety inspections and provide a safety DVD that will be available in several languages.Fire Chief Rob Ross said Akron’s long-term goal is to have smoke alarms installed in every home in the city and “this grant is a step toward reaching that goal.” The city will contribute about $4,400 to the effort.With these funds, Akron hopes to reduce by 10 percent the number of homes not adequately protected by smoke alarms and to increase the use of strobe light/audible smoke alarms for hearing-impaired residents.In addition to smoke alarms, more than 500 homes will receive safety inspections, a fire safety DVD and a safety tips poster.CANAL FULTONBike hikes plannedCANAL FULTON: The Akron-based Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is holding its Tour du Towpath bike rides on Aug.