Menu
16/10/2023
NIFRS Highlights Importance Of Home Fire Safety And Prevention
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has highlighted the importance of fire safety and prevention in homes in the wake of attending accidental fires during Fire Safety Week.
Firefighters responded to three separate incidents on Wednesday, 11 October. In the morning, a kitchen fire in Downpatrick led to a 70-year-old woman receiving oxygen due to shock.
Later that day, a cooking-related fire in a west Belfast flat resulted in five women being treated for smoke inhalation. In the evening, an 81-year-old man in the Lisburn area was hospitalized after a kitchen fire.
Throughout the week, NIFRS has been urging the community to follow the 'STOP Fire' message.
> S – Smoke alarms
> T – Test alarms weekly
> O – Obvious dangers
> P – Plan your escape
Area Commander Suzanne Fleming said: "Understanding how to address risky behaviours related to smoking, cooking, electrical safety, and having a clear fire escape plan is crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of those at risk.
"Incidents this week, some involving older residents, highlight the importance of contacting us at the first signs of fire. The sooner a 999 call is made to the NIFRS, the sooner firefighters can respond to an incident."
Area Commander Fleming reiterated advice to people not to put themselves at risk in attempting a rescue or trying to retrieve personal belongings.
Earlier this week, NIFRS reported that 7 out of 10 individuals who lost their lives in accidental house fires in 2022 were known to other agencies.
This has spurred NIFRS to strengthen its outreach efforts, collaborating with community, voluntary, and statutory sectors to enhance home fire safety.
Fleming continued: "If you have concerns regarding a clear fire escape route, a working smoke alarm, or other home safety issues, please don't hesitate to contact us.
"We rely on people's support networks to refer their clients, family members, friends, or older neighbours for a Free Home Fire Safety Check via our website.
"I strongly urge those who are eligible to take advantage of this service this winter.
"Fire prevention is at the heart of what we do at NIFRS. The support of our partners and our community is vital in our work to STOP Fire this Fire Safety Week and beyond."
Firefighters responded to three separate incidents on Wednesday, 11 October. In the morning, a kitchen fire in Downpatrick led to a 70-year-old woman receiving oxygen due to shock.
Later that day, a cooking-related fire in a west Belfast flat resulted in five women being treated for smoke inhalation. In the evening, an 81-year-old man in the Lisburn area was hospitalized after a kitchen fire.
Throughout the week, NIFRS has been urging the community to follow the 'STOP Fire' message.
> S – Smoke alarms
> T – Test alarms weekly
> O – Obvious dangers
> P – Plan your escape
Area Commander Suzanne Fleming said: "Understanding how to address risky behaviours related to smoking, cooking, electrical safety, and having a clear fire escape plan is crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of those at risk.
"Incidents this week, some involving older residents, highlight the importance of contacting us at the first signs of fire. The sooner a 999 call is made to the NIFRS, the sooner firefighters can respond to an incident."
Area Commander Fleming reiterated advice to people not to put themselves at risk in attempting a rescue or trying to retrieve personal belongings.
Earlier this week, NIFRS reported that 7 out of 10 individuals who lost their lives in accidental house fires in 2022 were known to other agencies.
This has spurred NIFRS to strengthen its outreach efforts, collaborating with community, voluntary, and statutory sectors to enhance home fire safety.
Fleming continued: "If you have concerns regarding a clear fire escape route, a working smoke alarm, or other home safety issues, please don't hesitate to contact us.
"We rely on people's support networks to refer their clients, family members, friends, or older neighbours for a Free Home Fire Safety Check via our website.
"I strongly urge those who are eligible to take advantage of this service this winter.
"Fire prevention is at the heart of what we do at NIFRS. The support of our partners and our community is vital in our work to STOP Fire this Fire Safety Week and beyond."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
07 October 2019
Pat Jennings & NIFRS Issue Fire Safety Warning
Legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has joined the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to send a message regarding the heightened risk of fire for the over 50s. According to the NIRFS, 87% of deaths from accidental house fires in the last four years were people aged 50 and over.
Pat Jennings & NIFRS Issue Fire Safety Warning
Legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has joined the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to send a message regarding the heightened risk of fire for the over 50s. According to the NIRFS, 87% of deaths from accidental house fires in the last four years were people aged 50 and over.
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
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.
05 September 2016
NIFRS Issues Reminder At Chimney Fire Safety Week
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a reminder to householders that chimney fires can be easily prevented by getting their chimneys cleaned. The NIFRS made the call at the launch of Chimney Fire Safety Week, 05 - 11 September. Firefighters attended 1,100 chimney fires across Northern Ireland in 2015.
NIFRS Issues Reminder At Chimney Fire Safety Week
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a reminder to householders that chimney fires can be easily prevented by getting their chimneys cleaned. The NIFRS made the call at the launch of Chimney Fire Safety Week, 05 - 11 September. Firefighters attended 1,100 chimney fires across Northern Ireland in 2015.
-
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.
