Thirty-nine people killed in house fires last year

Thirty-nine people died in house fires in Ireland last year, an increase of two on the previous year, according to figures published today by the National Safety Council.

The council said 43% of fatal fires were started by cigarettes, while 25% were caused by open fires and a further 17% by chip pans.

It said alcohol was believed to have been a factor in the majority of deaths, while the over-60s were the biggest risk group, accounting for 40% of deaths last year.

The Safety Council also said 90% of fatal fires happened in houses with no working smoke alarm.