A cross-border Fire Safety Week campaign urging people to spot everyday fire hazards, test smoke alarms and identify the nearest exits has been launched, with a particular focus on supporting older and more vulnerable individuals.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has launched National Fire Safety Week 2026 at Enniscorthy Fire Station, calling on people nationwide to take straightforward steps to protect themselves, their families and their communities from fire.

This year's North/South initiative, running from 12 to 18 October, centres on the theme "Know the Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person", encouraging everyone to pay closer attention to hazards in the spaces they use daily. The campaign stresses early detection through working smoke alarms and knowing the nearest emergency exits in homes, workplaces and public settings.

A major advertising push begins today across television, radio and social media and will continue through the higher-risk period for fire fatalities from October 2026 into 2027 to reinforce these potentially life-saving messages.

Minister James Browne said: "National Fire Safety Week is about empowering people to protect themselves, their families and their communities. This year's theme, 'Know the Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person', encourages everyone to take a few moments to identify potential fire hazards in the rooms they use every day. Whether at home, at work or in public settings, being aware of risks, ensuring smoke alarms are working properly, and knowing the nearest emergency exits can make all the difference. Fire safety starts with awareness, and those simple actions can help save lives." Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: "We want people to take a fresh look at the environments around them and consider the fire risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. From using electrical devices to cooking, many everyday activities can present fire hazards if not managed safely. Knowing the person is just as important as knowing the risk, particularly when it comes to older people, those living alone, or anyone who may need additional support to stay safe from fire. Early detection through working smoke alarms, combined with knowing the safest escape route, is critical to reducing the impact of fire. By understanding the risks in each room and being prepared to respond, everyone can play a role in making our homes and communities safer."

Marcus Wright, Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fire Safety Week is an important reminder that fire safety is a responsibility we all share, not only in our own homes, but in looking out for those around us.

"We're asking everyone to take a look around their home and think about the risks that may be present in the rooms they spend the most time. Most accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen, while our figures show that the bedroom is where the greatest number of fatalities have occurred.

"We also want people to think about who may be at greater risk from fire. A significant proportion of those who have lost their lives in house fires lived alone. Whether that's you, a family member, friend or neighbour, recognising that someone may need additional support could help keep them safe."

Common risks vary by room: cooking is the leading source of accidental home fires in kitchens; heaters and open fires raise risk in living areas; while smoking and charging electrical devices can present dangers in bedrooms. Taking a moment to look around, identify potential hazards and familiarise yourself with the safest way out can make a critical difference. Early warning from well-maintained smoke alarms can provide vital time to escape.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management is also urging people to look beyond their own homes and check in on older or more vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, particularly those living alone. Helping someone review the risks in the rooms they use most could prove lifesaving.

Consider asking:

- Do they have working smoke alarms?

- Are exits and escape routes kept clear and easy to reach?

- Have chimneys and flues been cleaned and maintained?

- Are heaters, electrical appliances and extension leads being used safely?

- Are there any obvious fire hazards in the rooms used most often?

The Directorate is emphasising the need for working smoke alarms on every level of the home and regular testing. Through the Community Smoke Alarm Scheme, free smoke alarms are available to vulnerable households. For details on having an alarm fitted, contact your local Fire Service or visit FireIreland.ie.