Smoke alarms key to fire safety, warn experts

More than 450 people died in fires in Ireland in the last decade, it emerged today.

Of the 37 people who lost their lives in the Republic last year, smoke alarms were only found to be working in two cases.

A total of 462 people died in the last 10 years and officials have warned an increase in the number of people opting to drink at home following the introduction of the smoking ban in pubs could put more at risk.

Ed O’Neill, Project Manager of Fire Safety Week, said elderly men were most at risk.

“Smoking and drinking is a lethal combination,” he said.

“As a result of the smoking ban people are tending to drink and smoke more at home. It is so easy for someone who is drunk and tired to fall asleep and set their sofa on fire with a lit cigarette.”

A telephone poll of smokers undertaken on behalf of the National Safety Council (NSC) revealed 42% of respondents indicated their intention to entertain at home more often as a direct result of the smoking ban.

A total of 31% of smokers said they are likely to consume alcohol at home more often and 35% stated they were likely to smoke at home more often also as a result of the smoking ban.

Figures also revealed that 58% of fatalities in 2003 occurred in the period from 8pm to 8am, highlighting the possibility of increased incidences of fire outbreak during these hours.

In response to this research, the NSC produced a television advert which highlights the risks associated with smoking and consumption of alcohol at home.

Eddie Shaw, Chairman of the NSC, urged people to install smoke alarms. “Smoke alarms are an effective aid to alert people to fires and give them the valuable extra minutes to escape to safety, and a minimum of two alarms should be installed in each home,” he said.

“However, installation of smoke alarms is not enough – the battery should be checked that it is working once a week, otherwise they are ineffective.”

Of the fatalities last year, all but four people died in domestic dwellings, and, following investigation, smoke alarms were known to be present and working in only two cases.

As Fire Safety Week 2004 was launched, Mr O’Neill said it was imperative people install fire alarms and remember to unplug electrical appliances before going to bed at night.