Lisburn: Woman in her 90s becomes fourth person to die in separate house fires in Northern Ireland in three days
The death of a fourth person in separate house fires in Northern Ireland in three days has prompted an urgent appeal for the public to prioritise their own home fire safety.
Police confirmed on Monday evening that a woman in her 90s had died following a fire at a residential property in Lisburn.
Emergency services were called to an ongoing fire in the Tansy Road area shortly before 6.30pm on Sunday.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental
The latest tragedy comes just days after three other people lost their lives in separate house fires.
A senior Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) officer described the number of fatal incidents in such a short space of time as “both highly unusual and deeply concerning”.
“The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a woman who died on Sunday evening as a result of a mobile home fire at Tansy Road, Lisburn,” said NIFRS Area Commander Suzanne Fleming.
“In the space of just three days, four people have sadly lost their lives to separate home fire incidents across Northern Ireland.”
A man in his 20s died at the scene of a fire at a flat at Queen Victoria Gardens in the Fortwilliam area of north Belfast on Friday morning.
Later on the same day, a woman, aged in her 50s, died in a house fire in Abbey Park, Bangor.
In the early hours of Saturday, a woman, aged in her 40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene of a house fire at Areema Drive in Dunmurry.
NIFRS said these three incidents are also believed to have started accidentally.
Area Commander Fleming strongly urged 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.
"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.”
The NIFRS has issued the following advice to the public:
- 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 older relatives and neighbours to ensure their safety.