Menu
03/10/2016
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.
The statistics were revealed for the launch of North South Fire Safety Week 2016, which runs from Monday 03 to Sunday 09 October.
NIFRS attended over 2,500 accidental house fires in the last three years. Over 70% of the fires were caused by either cooking or cooking appliances (39%), electricity supply or other electrical appliances (26%) and smoking or smoking related materials (8%).
In the past three years, 28 people have tragically lost their lives in accidental house fires.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: "This Fire Safety Week we really are getting back to basics and looking at the hard cold facts of the top three causes of accidental fires in the home. We want to reach a stage in Northern Ireland where no one loses their lives due to accidental house fires and reducing the risk of a fire occurring in the first instance will ultimately help us achieve this goal.
"Cookers, ovens, hotplates, grill pans, deep fat fryers, microwaves and toasters, all commonly used appliances, have accounted for the highest cause of accidental house fires in the last three years. Similarly electrics, such as the mains supply, lighting and cables along with other appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are the second biggest cause.
"Regardless of the cause, the majority of accidental fires in the home can be avoided with the correct fire safety precautions and preventions in place and I’m urging householders to use this week as an opportunity to revisit their fire safety to help 'STOP Fire'.
"Life is busy however we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect ourselves from fire. This Fire Safety Week we are aiming to empower people and refresh their fire safety habits to ensure they are doing everything they can to 'STOP Fire' in their home."
(CD)
The figures are a 43% reduction compared to last year, however the NIFRS said it is still four too many.
The statistics were revealed for the launch of North South Fire Safety Week 2016, which runs from Monday 03 to Sunday 09 October.
NIFRS attended over 2,500 accidental house fires in the last three years. Over 70% of the fires were caused by either cooking or cooking appliances (39%), electricity supply or other electrical appliances (26%) and smoking or smoking related materials (8%).
In the past three years, 28 people have tragically lost their lives in accidental house fires.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: "This Fire Safety Week we really are getting back to basics and looking at the hard cold facts of the top three causes of accidental fires in the home. We want to reach a stage in Northern Ireland where no one loses their lives due to accidental house fires and reducing the risk of a fire occurring in the first instance will ultimately help us achieve this goal.
"Cookers, ovens, hotplates, grill pans, deep fat fryers, microwaves and toasters, all commonly used appliances, have accounted for the highest cause of accidental house fires in the last three years. Similarly electrics, such as the mains supply, lighting and cables along with other appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers are the second biggest cause.
"Regardless of the cause, the majority of accidental fires in the home can be avoided with the correct fire safety precautions and preventions in place and I’m urging householders to use this week as an opportunity to revisit their fire safety to help 'STOP Fire'.
"Life is busy however we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect ourselves from fire. This Fire Safety Week we are aiming to empower people and refresh their fire safety habits to ensure they are doing everything they can to 'STOP Fire' in their home."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
21 January 2020
NIFRS Renews Smoke Alarm Plea
Home owners are being reminded of the need to have a working smoke alarm following two fatal house fires in December. The NIFRS emphasised the need to prioritise fire safety in the home after two accidental blazes occured at premises without working smoke alarms.
NIFRS Renews Smoke Alarm Plea
Home owners are being reminded of the need to have a working smoke alarm following two fatal house fires in December. The NIFRS emphasised the need to prioritise fire safety in the home after two accidental blazes occured at premises without working smoke alarms.
09 March 2016
Seven People Died In Smoking Related House Fires Last Year
Seven people died in house fires caused by smoking materials last year, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). Fire crews also attended 69 accidental blazes caused by smoking.
Seven People Died In Smoking Related House Fires Last Year
Seven people died in house fires caused by smoking materials last year, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). Fire crews also attended 69 accidental blazes caused by smoking.
03 January 2013
13 Deaths From Accidental Fires In 2012
13 people lost their lives in accidental fires in the home last year in Northern Ireland. The figure was released as part of a New Year message from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) which urges the public keep fire safety as a resolution for 2013.
13 Deaths From Accidental Fires In 2012
13 people lost their lives in accidental fires in the home last year in Northern Ireland. The figure was released as part of a New Year message from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) which urges the public keep fire safety as a resolution for 2013.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
