07/10/2010

Ireland-wide Fire Safety Week Underway

Ireland is 'going to blazes' as National Fire Safety Week takes place this week.

Michael Finneran, Minister of State at the Department of the Irish Republic's Environment, Heritage and Local Government, launched it in Dublin Fire Brigade's Training Centre in the O'Brien Institute, Marino,

He said that National Fire Safety Week, 4th - 11th October, is being jointly run with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and is about enhancing fire safety, particularly in the home.

The Dáil Minister referred to this year's National Fire Safety Week theme 'Smoke alarms and escape plans save lives' and said "having smoke alarms fitted is not enough, they must also be in good working order. It is vital also that you and your family know what to do if a smoke alarm activates".

"Unfortunately, on average 46 people die in Ireland each year as a result of fire. House fires account for the vast majority of fire fatalities," the Minister continued.

"Both the very young and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and these groups account for almost half of the domestic fatalities. In most of these incidents, a level of fire safety education and awareness could have prevented the loss of life in a fire or limited the damage," the Minister added and also asked family members, relatives and friends of the elderly to be mindful of the dangers of open fires if they are used this winter.

He said that, while National Fire Safety Week marks the beginning of an intensive media advertising campaign to run until Christmas, the Minister stated that it was imperative that "public awareness of the dangers of fire be maintained throughout the year".

He said that new television and radio advertisements focussing on the importance of escape plans were launched today and will appear in the media in the coming weeks.

Minister Finneran thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for attending the event and for their continued participation.

Acknowledging their valuable input, Minister Finneran stated: "Improving fire safety is a crucially important element of the work of the fire service and I would like to thank senior fire officers, North and South, and their brigades for increasing their prevention activities this week to heighten fire safety awareness in our communities."

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 October 2013
Dublin Fire Brigade To Launch Halloween Safety Campaign
Dublin Fire Brigade will launch its Halloween safety campaign, 'Be Safe – Stay Safe', on Tuesday with an event at St. Brigid’s Senior Girls National School, Wellmount Ave., Finglas West.
08 October 2018
Concerns Raised Over Staffing Levels At Dublin Fire Brigade
SIPTU has raised concerns over staffing levels at Dublin Fire Brigade, which resulted in a serious deficit in services in several areas of the city during the Government's official Fire Safety Week.
05 October 2007
Mountjoy Prison Cell Fire
A fire broke out in a cell at Dublin's Mountjoy Prison on Thursday night, according to reports. It is understood that a prisoner had set fire to a cell. However, it is believed that prison staff and fire crews were able to contain the fire quickly. No-one was injured in the incident.
19 October 2015
Halloween Fire Safety Campaign Launched
Dublin Fire Brigade's Halloween Safety Campaign, 'Be Safe Been Seen' has been launched at Dublin Fire HQ by tArdmhéara Críona Ní Dhálaigh. The Fire Brigade will work with Dublin Bus, An Garda Siochana and the DSPCA in an effort to inform young people about the dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks.
03 December 2009
Dublin Skyline On The Rise
The Irish capital could see its skyline permanently altered as a new policy permitting high-rise building has been approved. Dublin city councillors have voted to recommend the policy for the city's new development plan.