Let’s keep fire death toll falling: NIFRS

Although Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service welcomes the reduction in both the number of accidental dwelling fires across Northern Ireland and the number of accidental fire deaths in 2014 compared to the previous year, we are urging the public not to become complacent about fire safety at home.

In total, there were 966 accidental dwelling fires in 2013 and this was reduced by 43 to 923 in 2014.

Tragically, there were 9 accidental fire deaths in 2013 and 8 people lost their lives in accidental fires in 2014.

Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “One accidental fire death is one too many and we want to reach a stage where we have no fatalities in Northern Ireland due to accidental houses fires. We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving that. By routinely completing a number of simple fire safety steps, you can drastically reduce the risk of a fire in your home this year and beyond. Getting into the habit of checking your smoke alarms are working may just save your life.”