No alarms in nine out of 10 fatal house fires

THERE was either no smoke alarm fitted or one that was working in nine out of 10 fire fatalities last year.

Figures released by the National Safety Council (NSC) show that 39 people perished in house fires last year, an increase of two on 2003.

And in 80% of fatal fires no smoke alarm was installed. “The majority of people who die in fires die of smoke inhalation. Such deaths can be prevented if a working smoke alarm is present in the home,” said Alan Richardson of the National Safety Council.