14/10/2025
House Fire Deaths Prompt Urgent Safety Plea
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging the public to take extra precautions after revealing that ten people have died in accidental house fires so far this year.
The statistics were released as part of North South Fire Safety Week 2025, which begins today in partnership with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Republic of Ireland.
The leading cause, contributing to seven of the 10 deaths, was smoking materials. Electrical appliances and cooking accounted for the other three fatalities. NIFRS figures show that those most at risk are aged over 50 and who live alone.
NIFRS Area Commander Suzanne Fleming emphasised the shared responsibility of fire safety.
"House fires are devastating, but simple steps can be the difference in preventing a tragedy," she said.
Commander Fleming urged people to stay alert when cooking, check appliances and electrics, dispose of smoking materials properly, and test smoke alarms. Crucially, she asked everyone to look out for vulnerable neighbours.
Households are encouraged to complete the NIFRS' free online Home Fire Safety Check for themselves and for vulnerable loved ones. The self-assessment provides a personalised fire safety action plan.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, highlighted the focus on older people. He stated: "We are reminding people to check on their vulnerable neighbours and particularly older people living alone to ensure their homes are fire safe."
To start an online Home Fire Safety Check, please visit www.nifrs.org.
The statistics were released as part of North South Fire Safety Week 2025, which begins today in partnership with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management in the Republic of Ireland.
The leading cause, contributing to seven of the 10 deaths, was smoking materials. Electrical appliances and cooking accounted for the other three fatalities. NIFRS figures show that those most at risk are aged over 50 and who live alone.
NIFRS Area Commander Suzanne Fleming emphasised the shared responsibility of fire safety.
"House fires are devastating, but simple steps can be the difference in preventing a tragedy," she said.
Households are encouraged to complete the NIFRS' free online Home Fire Safety Check for themselves and for vulnerable loved ones. The self-assessment provides a personalised fire safety action plan.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, highlighted the focus on older people. He stated: "We are reminding people to check on their vulnerable neighbours and particularly older people living alone to ensure their homes are fire safe."
To start an online Home Fire Safety Check, please visit www.nifrs.org.
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01 October 2024
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04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
06 October 2003
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
Ministers launch fire safety week
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10 October 2023
NIFRS Commits To Collaboration In New Fire Safety Campaign
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has stated its commitment to working with partner agencies and care professionals in a new campaign to help keep people safe from fire in their home.
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17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.