14/03/2012
Minister Urges Safety Checks After Fatal Fires
Following the death of three pensioners in the last week Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has offered his condolences to the family and friends of those have lost their lives in the house fires.
Minister Poots said: "Three fatal fires in the course of one week is an unprecedented tragedy in Northern Ireland and I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the three elderly people who have lost their lives in these dreadful circumstances."
A 78-year-old pensioner died after a fire broke out at her Armagh home on Monday night- she was the third elderly person to die as result of a house fire in the last week.
The incident followed two other elderly people dying as result of house fires.
Last Tuesday, 78-year-old Sadie Ferguson died in a house fire in Dromara, Co Down.
Meanwhile, in Co Antrim, 64-year-old Albert Kane died after his home caught fire at Bush Road, near Dervock later that night.
The Minister said the tragedies were a stark reminder of the dangers of fire in the home and should serve as a reminder to everyone to be aware of the importance of fire safety. He said: "Everyone should ensure they have a working smoke alarm, which alerts you at the earliest stage of fire, giving vital time to escape. You should also check both your home and workplace for potential hazards, in order to minimise the risk of fire and the potentially horrific consequences."
Minister Poots said: "Three fatal fires in the course of one week is an unprecedented tragedy in Northern Ireland and I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the three elderly people who have lost their lives in these dreadful circumstances."
A 78-year-old pensioner died after a fire broke out at her Armagh home on Monday night- she was the third elderly person to die as result of a house fire in the last week.
The incident followed two other elderly people dying as result of house fires.
Last Tuesday, 78-year-old Sadie Ferguson died in a house fire in Dromara, Co Down.
Meanwhile, in Co Antrim, 64-year-old Albert Kane died after his home caught fire at Bush Road, near Dervock later that night.
The Minister said the tragedies were a stark reminder of the dangers of fire in the home and should serve as a reminder to everyone to be aware of the importance of fire safety. He said: "Everyone should ensure they have a working smoke alarm, which alerts you at the earliest stage of fire, giving vital time to escape. You should also check both your home and workplace for potential hazards, in order to minimise the risk of fire and the potentially horrific consequences."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2024
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
16 April 2019
Fire Service Lowers 'People At Risk' Age To 50 And Older
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has lowered the age group of those deemed most at risk from accidental house fires to people aged 50 and older. It follows the death of 19 people in the last three years, 17 of which were aged over 50. Nine of the victims were aged 50-59 and a further eight were 60 and above.
Fire Service Lowers 'People At Risk' Age To 50 And Older
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has lowered the age group of those deemed most at risk from accidental house fires to people aged 50 and older. It follows the death of 19 people in the last three years, 17 of which were aged over 50. Nine of the victims were aged 50-59 and a further eight were 60 and above.
03 October 2016
Accidental House Fires Killed Four People In NI This Year - Figures
Four people have died in accidental house fires, according to figures from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS). The figures are a 43% reduction compared to last year, however the NIFRS said it is still four too many.
Accidental House Fires Killed Four People In NI This Year - Figures
Four people have died in accidental house fires, according to figures from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS). The figures are a 43% reduction compared to last year, however the NIFRS said it is still four too many.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
06 October 2015
Smoking Is Biggest Cause Of Accidental Fire Deaths In NI
Smoking is the biggest cause of accidental fire deaths in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). There have been 53 accidental fire deaths over the past five years and 22 of these were as a direct result of smoking materials.
Smoking Is Biggest Cause Of Accidental Fire Deaths In NI
Smoking is the biggest cause of accidental fire deaths in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). There have been 53 accidental fire deaths over the past five years and 22 of these were as a direct result of smoking materials.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.