The Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) has called for greater fire safety awareness in light of the recent increase in domestic fire fatalities across the Republic of Ireland.
The Association has released figures showing that 18 fatalities occurred in December and January, representing almost 50% of the entire figure (40) for 2010.
The CFOA said smoke alarms were either not present or working in the majority of cases.
Michael Raftery, Chief Fire Officer in Galway and Chairperson of the Chief Fire Officers Association of Ireland said: “40 to 50 people have died in accidental house fires every year over the last 20 years and this trend has continued this winter. Sadly many of these fatalities could have been prevented.”
“Many more have been injured as a result of dwelling fires while there are a huge number of properties that have been damaged by fire. The increase in fire deaths serves as a stark reminder to us all of the importance of installing working smoke alarms and the need to have an escape plan should it become necessary to evacuate”, he added.
Mr. Raftery noted that there are a number of steps that can be taken by householders to reduce the risk of fire in the home.
He continued: “The CFOA urges the public to check smoke alarms, not only your own, but also those of elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours. Householders should always make sure that flammable materials are kept as far away from sources of heat as possible, and that all forms of heating appliance, be they electrical or gas are well maintained. The public should never use any appliance that may be faulty."
The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of Ireland’s 34 Local Authorities. The Association is also a member of the Federation of European Fire officers Associations and attends their twice yearly meetings.
Further Fire Safety advice is available from www.firesafetyweek.ie. For more on the CFOA visit www.cfoa.net.
The Association has released figures showing that 18 fatalities occurred in December and January, representing almost 50% of the entire figure (40) for 2010.
9 fatalities were recorded last month in Cork (2), Clare (2), Wicklow (2), Tipperary (1), Dublin (1) and Donegal (1) in January 2011.
The CFOA said smoke alarms were either not present or working in the majority of cases.
Michael Raftery, Chief Fire Officer in Galway and Chairperson of the Chief Fire Officers Association of Ireland said: “40 to 50 people have died in accidental house fires every year over the last 20 years and this trend has continued this winter. Sadly many of these fatalities could have been prevented.”
“Many more have been injured as a result of dwelling fires while there are a huge number of properties that have been damaged by fire. The increase in fire deaths serves as a stark reminder to us all of the importance of installing working smoke alarms and the need to have an escape plan should it become necessary to evacuate”, he added.
Mr. Raftery noted that there are a number of steps that can be taken by householders to reduce the risk of fire in the home.
He continued: “The CFOA urges the public to check smoke alarms, not only your own, but also those of elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours. Householders should always make sure that flammable materials are kept as far away from sources of heat as possible, and that all forms of heating appliance, be they electrical or gas are well maintained. The public should never use any appliance that may be faulty."
The CFOA comprises the Chief Fire Officers of Ireland’s 34 Local Authorities. The Association is also a member of the Federation of European Fire officers Associations and attends their twice yearly meetings.
Further Fire Safety advice is available from www.firesafetyweek.ie. For more on the CFOA visit www.cfoa.net.
