With just one week to go until Christmas, Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is reminding householders of the basics of fire safety in the home.
The annual campaign comes as the Fire Service confirmed that Brigades throughout Clare were mobilised to 44 incidents during the 2012 Christmas period, representing a third successive drop in festive fire callouts since 2009.
The call-out figures for the period December 20th 2012 to January 3rd 2013 were less than those recorded during the corresponding periods in 2009, 2010 and 2011 when the Fire Service was mobilised to 81, 64 and 48 incidents respectively.
The majority of emergency call-outs were attended by Ennis Fire Brigade (20), followed by Shannon (13), Killaloe (3), Ennistymon (3), Scarriff (2), Kilrush (2) and Kilkee (1).
6 of the call-outs related to chimney fires, down 18 from the previous year, while fire-fighters also attended 10 road-based incidents, 2 agricultural building fires, 2 storage building fires, 1 house fire, 1 outdoor rubbish fire and 11 false alarm incidents.
Mayor of Clare Cllr. Joe Arkins has urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the fire safety advice, which may be viewed on the Clare County Council website at www.clarecoco.ie.
Cllr. Arkins continued: “While Christmas is a time for celebration, it is important that the public remains alert to the fire dangers that exist at their homes. I encourage householders across County Clare to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined.”
The main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.
According to Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer: “Open fires are used for longer periods during the Christmas period as people spend a lot more time at home. Electrical items and extension leads are used more. Add in flammable decorations, candles and alcohol and it becomes apparent that the risks increase during the festive season.”
“Clare County Fire and Rescue Service wishes everyone a safe Christmas and a happy New Year,” he added.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS:
- Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly
- Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder
- Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
- Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
- Make sure your Christmas tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire
- Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace
- Visit any elderly neighbours
- Smoke alarms make good presents as they save lives
- In the event of a fire in your home “Get Out, Stay Out And Call the Fire Brigade Out”. The Fire Service can be contacted by dialling 999/112.
The annual campaign comes as the Fire Service confirmed that Brigades throughout Clare were mobilised to 44 incidents during the 2012 Christmas period, representing a third successive drop in festive fire callouts since 2009.
The call-out figures for the period December 20th 2012 to January 3rd 2013 were less than those recorded during the corresponding periods in 2009, 2010 and 2011 when the Fire Service was mobilised to 81, 64 and 48 incidents respectively.
The majority of emergency call-outs were attended by Ennis Fire Brigade (20), followed by Shannon (13), Killaloe (3), Ennistymon (3), Scarriff (2), Kilrush (2) and Kilkee (1).
6 of the call-outs related to chimney fires, down 18 from the previous year, while fire-fighters also attended 10 road-based incidents, 2 agricultural building fires, 2 storage building fires, 1 house fire, 1 outdoor rubbish fire and 11 false alarm incidents.
Mayor of Clare Cllr. Joe Arkins has urged members of the public to familiarise themselves with the fire safety advice, which may be viewed on the Clare County Council website at www.clarecoco.ie.
Cllr. Arkins continued: “While Christmas is a time for celebration, it is important that the public remains alert to the fire dangers that exist at their homes. I encourage householders across County Clare to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined.”
The main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.
According to Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer: “Open fires are used for longer periods during the Christmas period as people spend a lot more time at home. Electrical items and extension leads are used more. Add in flammable decorations, candles and alcohol and it becomes apparent that the risks increase during the festive season.”
“Clare County Fire and Rescue Service wishes everyone a safe Christmas and a happy New Year,” he added.
FIRE SAFETY TIPS:
- Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly
- Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle and candleholder
- Keep candles away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire
- Never leave candles unattended or go to sleep when they are alight
- Make sure your Christmas tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Remember that trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire
- Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace
- Visit any elderly neighbours
- Smoke alarms make good presents as they save lives
- In the event of a fire in your home “Get Out, Stay Out And Call the Fire Brigade Out”. The Fire Service can be contacted by dialling 999/112.
