Cork fire brigade to distribute free smoke detectors as part of safety campaign

Free smoke detectors and alarm testing sticks will be distributed across Cork as part of a major Christmas fire safety campaign.

Cork City Fire Bridge made the announcement yesterday as it unveiled its revamped community fire safety vehicle which is set to hit the roads over the coming weeks to hammer home fire prevention and fire safety messages.

Third officer Edward Buckley, who has spearheaded the development of the brigade’s community fire safety programme, said people become complacent about the dangers of fire at this time of the year.

“Our big message is to be safe. Don’t let your guard down. Fire is an ever-present danger,” he said.

Overloaded sockets, incorrect fuses on Christmas lights, and unattended candles are three of the biggest causes of house fires around the time, he said.

Mr Buckley also spoke of the trauma of taking dead children from house fires and said that simple housekeeping can help save lives.

“My colleagues and I have, over the years, taken fatalities — even children — from fires. And that’s something you’ll never forget.

Eddie Buckley with his grandchildren Katie and Sam Rodgers at the campaign launch yesterday.Picture: AP

“We have a good peer system with counselling, but as a father and grandparent, it’s something you live with forever. But a lot of that can be avoided with simple basic housekeeping.”

Station officer Ger Ryan said he and his fellow firefighters will bring their fire safety vehicle to the major suburban shopping centres and to large public and community events over the next few weeks.

The former fire tender has been adapted and fitted with lockers which can simulate chip pan and TV fires. It has also been fitted with a hi-tech video display which can screen educational videos.

“We’re not trying to spoil the festivities but there is a marked increase in calls over the Christmas period,” said Mr Ryan.

“This campaign aims to prevent fire in the home and our message to people is to install a smoke alarm, to test them weekly, to clean their chimneys, and to plan your escape route.

“The message is getting out there and the calls are coming down because of campaigns like this.”

Lord Mayor Chris O’Leary, a former civil defence officer, helped launch the campaign and spoke of how having an escape plan helped save his family after a petrol bomb attack on their home.

Flames engulfed the porch and filled the home with toxic fumes, forcing the family to crawl down the stairs and flee through the back door.

“The important thing was to know what to do, and have an escape route planned,” said Mr O’Leary.

“Even the thought and the plan can prepare you and save lives.”