NIFRS advises public to prioritise fire safety over Christmas

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is advising the public to prioritise fire safety and to not tackle fires.

As it is a high-risk time of year for accidental fires in the home, NIFRS is urging people to exit the property immediately and call 999.

The biggest cause of accidental house fires during this time is cooking, electrical-related and smoking. Therefore, we must be vigilant over Christmas, as many additional fire dangers are introduced into our homes, such as open fires, portable heaters, candles and Christmas tree lights.

NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: “This year we’re strongly appealing to people to never be tempted to tackle a fire in their home but rather close the door to the fire to get out, stay out, and call the Fire & Rescue Service out. I am asking the community to be aware of how to stay safe from fire during the winter months and festive period by following our safety advice.

“With temperatures dropping to freezing, you may turn to alternative methods of staying warm which can compromise your safety, such as lighting open fires or using portable heaters and electric blankets. Hire a suitably trained person to service your chimney, flue or appliance before you use it, and keep heaters away from soft furnishings and Christmas decorations.

“Always remember to turn Christmas tree lights off, unplug sockets and blow out candles before bed and when you’re leaving the house.

“If you are hosting celebrations or simply cooking for a cosy night in, never leave cooking unattended or consume alcohol. Instead turn the cooker off and take the saucepans off the heat.

“It is vitally important that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms so you have the ability to notice a fire and escape quickly.

“Take time to check in with your older family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are doing all they can to stay safe from fire. If you feel that you, or someone you know, could benefit from a free Home Fire Safety Check please apply on our website at www.nifrs.org.

“As a Fire & Rescue Service we are here to support you so please put your safety first by following our safety advice and calling us to tackle fires.”