NIFRS fire safety appeal prompted by spike in house fire deaths and incidents

Paddy Leonard, 27 Jan

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a home fire

safety appeal following a spike in accidental house fire deaths and

incidents.

Eight people have tragically lost their lives in house fires since

November 2022. There has also been a 14% increase in incidents.

Against the backdrop of the increased cost of living, NIFRS is asking

the public to do all they can to keep themselves, their families and

neighbours safe from fire as the high risk winter period continues.

NIFRS is urging everyone to check in on elderly relatives or neighbours

to ensure they have working smoke alarms and that they are aware of the

items in their home that can cause a fire and know how to use them

safely – this is especially important for those in our community who

live alone.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Assistant Chief Fire &

Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings said: “The thoughts and sympathies of

NIFRS continue to be with the family and friends of those who have

tragically lost loved ones in accidental house fires.

"We are acutely aware of fire safety at this time of year and we are

appealing to the public to help us keep you, your families and

neighbours safe by reducing the risk of fire in the home.”

You can reduce the risk of fire by following our STOP Fire message –

* Smoke alarms – Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your

home;

* Test alarms weekly – Test your smoke alarms at least once a week;

* Obvious dangers – Be aware of the items in your home that might

cause a fire and ensure you’re using them safely;

* Plan your escape – Have an escape plan in place if a fire does

occur.

Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings continued: “The

winter months are always much busier for us and this year with the

increased cost of living, we know many people will be trying to save

money when heating their homes. We want to ensure people don’t put

themselves at additional fire risk as a result.

"The most common causes of accidental fires in the home are cooking,

electrics and smoking materials, however in winter months we need to

also add in the fire risks associated with the increased use of open

fires, stoves, portable heaters, electric blankets and candles.

“There are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire in your

home. Please keep warm safely- if you’re using portable heaters and

electric blankets make sure they’re in good working order.

"Ensure you leave enough space around portable heaters so they don’t

accidently set fire to soft furnishings, such as curtains, blankets or

arm chairs.

“We have seen a 15% increase in chimney fires this December in

comparison to last December. If you’re planning to use a fire you

haven’t used in a while, make sure a suitably trained person services

your chimney beforehand, use a fire guard and have a Carbon Monoxide

alarm in the same room as your open fire or fuel burning stove.

“I would also urge everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms

and test them regularly. If you don’t have working alarms

this will affect your ability to notice a fire and escape quickly -

especially at night.

“I’d like to encourage any member of the public who is over 50, or

anyone with impaired mobility or a disability to contact us to arrange

a free Home Fire Safety Check.

"If you think someone you know might be at risk, please take time to

ask them about their fire safety and if you have any concerns please

get in touch with us.

“Fire prevention is at the heart of what we do at NIFRS. Please

remember that we are here to support you.”