Menu
08/09/2014
NIFRS Warning Over Chimney Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public of the dangers of chimney fires, after it attended 1,762 such fires last year, representing just over 7% of all incidents in 2013.
Chimney Fire Safety Week begins today, and the NIFRS is reminding the public to ensure chimneys are swept and cleaned regularly.
Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "With the colder months looming, people will start to use open fires and their chimneys again. In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, we are urging anyone who plans to light their fire over the coming months to be 'fire safe' and have the flue swept first.
"The rising cost of home heating has meant that open fires are becoming an increasingly common way to save money but we are encouraging people not to make cut backs when it comes to their fire safety. All chimney fires have the potential to be extremely dangerous, however, with regular inspection and cleaning of the chimney flue, the chances of a fire can be greatly reduced.
"A clean chimney flue creates a clear and safe passage, lowering the risk of the chimney catching fire. Sweeping will also mean that objects such as nests, cobwebs and loose brickwork are cleared, which also helps minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Please also ensure that you have working smoke alarms in your home and test them once a week. If you think you have a chimney fire call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service."
(IT/CD)
Chimney Fire Safety Week begins today, and the NIFRS is reminding the public to ensure chimneys are swept and cleaned regularly.
Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "With the colder months looming, people will start to use open fires and their chimneys again. In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, we are urging anyone who plans to light their fire over the coming months to be 'fire safe' and have the flue swept first.
"The rising cost of home heating has meant that open fires are becoming an increasingly common way to save money but we are encouraging people not to make cut backs when it comes to their fire safety. All chimney fires have the potential to be extremely dangerous, however, with regular inspection and cleaning of the chimney flue, the chances of a fire can be greatly reduced.
"A clean chimney flue creates a clear and safe passage, lowering the risk of the chimney catching fire. Sweeping will also mean that objects such as nests, cobwebs and loose brickwork are cleared, which also helps minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Please also ensure that you have working smoke alarms in your home and test them once a week. If you think you have a chimney fire call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 September 2016
NIFRS Issues Reminder At Chimney Fire Safety Week
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a reminder to householders that chimney fires can be easily prevented by getting their chimneys cleaned. The NIFRS made the call at the launch of Chimney Fire Safety Week, 05 - 11 September. Firefighters attended 1,100 chimney fires across Northern Ireland in 2015.
NIFRS Issues Reminder At Chimney Fire Safety Week
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued a reminder to householders that chimney fires can be easily prevented by getting their chimneys cleaned. The NIFRS made the call at the launch of Chimney Fire Safety Week, 05 - 11 September. Firefighters attended 1,100 chimney fires across Northern Ireland in 2015.
12 June 2008
Gorse Fires And Attacks On Firefighters Slammed
After many hundreds of malicious fires in gorge areas over the last weeks of warm weather, the NI Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on members of the public to do their bit in reducing both attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.
Gorse Fires And Attacks On Firefighters Slammed
After many hundreds of malicious fires in gorge areas over the last weeks of warm weather, the NI Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on members of the public to do their bit in reducing both attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.
20 November 2024
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
21 May 2008
Forest Blazes Deliberate
The Fire and Rescue Service believe a series of fires in rural south Armagh last night were started deliberately. In fact, fire fighters in Northern Ireland have said they tackled nearly 900 wildland fires in the past six weeks. The figure was revealed as it emerged the overnight fires in Slieve Gullion Forest Park are being treated as arson.
Forest Blazes Deliberate
The Fire and Rescue Service believe a series of fires in rural south Armagh last night were started deliberately. In fact, fire fighters in Northern Ireland have said they tackled nearly 900 wildland fires in the past six weeks. The figure was revealed as it emerged the overnight fires in Slieve Gullion Forest Park are being treated as arson.
29 May 2018
NIFRS Issues Warning About Dangers Of Wild Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has warned about the extreme dangers and serious consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside. The warning has been issued after a major gorse fire broke out on Black Mountain in Belfast on Monday, 28 May. NIFRS responded to reports of a large fire at about 7pm last night.
NIFRS Issues Warning About Dangers Of Wild Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has warned about the extreme dangers and serious consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside. The warning has been issued after a major gorse fire broke out on Black Mountain in Belfast on Monday, 28 May. NIFRS responded to reports of a large fire at about 7pm last night.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
