Almost 50 people a year die in fires, figures reveal

FIRE has claimed the lives of 646 people since 1990 including 52 fatalities last year, the latest National Safety Council (NSC) figures reveal.

Although last year's figures show a decline of 16% in fire-related deaths compared to 2001, the annual death toll has remained relatively constant in the last 12 years at an average of just under 50 deaths each year.

According to the NSC, the vast majority of fire victims died from smoke inhalation and the elderly were most at risk from fire.