The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has made a second urgent appeal to the public to prioritise home fire safety following more deaths in house fires.

Four people have lost their lives in separate domestic fires across Northern Ireland in just three days.

The service is calling for immediate action to prevent any further injuries or fatalities.

Area Commander Suzanne Fleming of NIFRS expressed the organisation's profound sympathy: "The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a woman who died yesterday evening as a result of a mobile home fire at Tansy Road, Lisburn. In the space of just 3 days, 4 people have sadly lost their lives to separate home fire incidents across Northern Ireland. This number of fatal incidents in such a short space of time is both highly unusual and deeply concerning."

The tragic sequence of events began on Friday 12 December, with two fatal incidents. A man, aged in his 20s, died in a flat fire at Queen Victoria Gardens, Fortwilliam, while a woman, aged in her 50s, was killed in a house fire at Abbey Park, Bangor.

On Saturday 13 December, Firefighters were called to a third fatal incident at Areema Drive, Dunmurry, where a woman, aged in her 40s, died at the scene.

The fourth fatality occurred on Sunday 14 December 2025. Firefighters from Lisburn, Lurgan, and Springfield Fire Stations were dispatched to a mobile home fire on Tansy Road, Lisburn, at 5.54 pm. Sadly, a woman, aged in her 90s, died at the location. Fire crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used two hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze.

All four incidents are currently believed to have been caused by accidental ignition. Commander Fleming stressed the life-saving importance of basic safety checks: "We are strongly urging the public to make home fire safety a priority. Check that smoke alarms are fitted and tested regularly, avoid overloading plug sockets and extension leads, and take extra care with cooking and electrical appliances. Ensure you have a bedtime routine and unplug all electrical items that are not required to be left on overnight. You should have a fire escape plan and that everyone you live with knows it. Remember to check in on vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends who may need support to stay safe from fire."

She concluded with a stark warning about the year-to-date figures: "These recent fires show how quickly everyday situations can turn into life-changing emergencies. Taking a few simple steps now could prevent further loss of life or serious injury and help keep people safe in their homes. So far this year there have been 15 fatal house fires. We do not want that number to increase, and we need your help to prevent it."

NIFRS Safety Advice

• Have a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor of your property.

• Have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed in rooms with fuel burning appliances.

• NEVER leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Make sure cooking appliances are turned off after use.

• Check your Christmas lights are in good working order and conform to the British Standard.

• NEVER overload sockets and always turn Christmas lights off before going to bed or if you are leaving the house. Remember one plug per socket.

• Only buy from reputable retailers. Ensure electrical equipment and chargers comply with the required safety standards.

• If you are using extra heaters during the winter months, make sure they are kept away from soft furnishings and Christmas decorations.

• If you choose to have a real Christmas tree, ensure it is well hydrated as a dry tree becomes more flammable.

• Keep candles away from soft furnishings, decorations, Christmas trees and wrapping paper. Ensure they are out of reach from pets and children. NEVER leave candles unattended.

• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished correctly and empty ashtrays safely. NEVER smoke in bed.

• Keep your escape routes clear and discuss your fire escape with your family and anyone else who may be staying with you.

• Check on vulnerable older relatives, neighbours and friends to ensure their safety.