Northern Ireland fire safety advice as house fire deaths and incidents rise

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has issued a home fire safety appeal following a spike in accidental house fire deaths and incidents.

Eight people have lost their lives in house fires since November 2022 - and there has also been a 14% increase in incidents, the service has outlined. Against the backdrop of the increased cost of living, NIFRS is asking the public to do all they can to keep themselves, their families and neighbours safe from fire as the high risk winter period continues.

NIFRS is urging everyone to check in on elderly relatives or neighbours to ensure they have working smoke alarms and that they are aware of the items in their home that can cause a fire and know how to use them safely - they say this is especially important for those in our community who live alone.