Deadly effect of water on chip-pan fire displayed
The oil exploded over everything around the pan, setting fire to a wide area before firefighters at the Dublin Fire Brigade training centre put it out.
The blaze marked the launch of Fire Safety Week by the junior minister at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Michael Kitt.
Chip pans remain a huge cause of fire-related injuries in the home, accounting for about a fifth of all fires.
There are an average of 46 fire-related deaths in Ireland every year and nine out of 10 occur in the home.
Mr Kitt said both the very young and elderly were particularly vulnerable, accounting for half of the domestic fatalities.
“In most of these incidents, a level of fire safety education and awareness could have prevented the loss of life in a fire or limited the damage,” said Mr Kitt.
Sadly, most people who die in fires die from smoke inhalation and it can take just three minutes to die from its effects. This year’s Fire Safety Week aims to put the focus on the importance of people looking out for each other in the community.
“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure not only their own safety but that of their families by following basic fires safety advice and regularly testing their smoke alarms,” said Mr Kitt.
The initiative, jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, marks the start of an intensive advertising campaign that runs until Christmas.
Assistant chief fire officer of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Peter Craig pointed out that in 50% of fire deaths in the north over the past five years, a smoke alarm had been present but had not activated when needed.
“It is imperative that when a smoke alarm is fitted it is tested regularly, we would recommend that people test their smoke alarms at least once a week,” Mr Craig said.
Mr Kitt said the department will advertise on the highest-traffic websites in Ireland, with a link to a site where the public can access on fire safety.
www.firesafetyweek.ie
