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.

The council is urging people to fit two smoke detectors in their homes and to check them regularly.

“A smoke alarm is a small price to pay for peace of mind. It will protect you and your family in the event of a fire,” said Mr Richardson.

“It gives you precious seconds to get out of the house before the fire reaches life-threatening levels.”

Cigarettes were identified as the single biggest cause in four out of 10 fatal blazes investigated.

Chip pans/grill pans and cooker fires were responsible for almost 30% of the fires.

Other causes include matches, candles, electric blankets or open fires.

NSC research also suggests alcohol consumption could also be a significant factor in up to 40% of fire fatalities.

Four out of 10 people who died in fires last year were over 60 and three out of four fatalities happened between 10pm and 10am.

A third of fires broke out in the bedroom while slightly less occurred in the living room.

February was the worst month for fatal fires and winter was the worst season.

At six deaths each, Dublin and Kerry recorded the highest fire fatality rates followed by Mayo with four.

Nineteen people died in house fires during the first four months of this year, compared to 11 over the same period last year.

Information on fire safety is available on the NSC’s website at www.nsc.ie.