A total of 25 deaths occurred in Ireland last year due to fire incidents in homes, with 21 of those who died aged over 55, according to newly released statistics.
Chimneys, flues, hot ashes and soot were the top cause of fires recorded in homes during 2024.
Malicious intent and rubbish burning also featured highly in statistics on how fires started, which was compiled by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management.
The data, provided by fire services throughout the country, showed that fire brigades attended almost 20,000 fires last year across various locations.
These included in domestic buildings, industrial facilities, motor vehicles, forest and grassland areas, outdoor rubbish sites, as well as in ships and aircraft.
Within homes, fires caused by electrical wiring and electrical equipment, cooking and heating all featured as causes of fire attended by fire services last year.
Keith Leonard, National Director for Fire and Emergency Management said: "My condolences to the families and friends of people who have lost their lives to fires."
He said the core message on fire safety is to fit a working smoke alarm and test it weekly, to have your chimney cleaned and to "have an escape plan for your household should a fire break out".
Mr Leonard added that fire incidents are not confined to the home and that businesses, commercial buildings and places of work also feature as locations of fires.
"Our fire services also attended a number of fires on open areas and grassland and we would like to remind people that the burning of agricultural land or waste is not permitted without approval from your local fire authority," he said.
"I would encourage all of us to think of older neighbours and relatives and the next time you are in their homes, check that they have a working smoke alarm – the most important piece of fire safety equipment for the home."
No smoke alarm in 11 of 25 homes where deaths occurred
Ben Woodhouse, Acting Chief Fire Officer at Carlow County Council, said 11 of the 25 deaths recorded in 2024 did not have a smoke alarm in their homes.
Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said: "Eleven of those fire fatalities had no smoke alarm. The 13 others had a smoke alarm, but it wasn't operating or effective."
Mr Woodhouse labelled the high statistics relating to malicious fires as "concerning".
"They are avoidable, and by our attendance at malicious fires, it draws our fire service resources away. Malicious fires also have an impact on the community, on air quality and in addition, affects the environment as well.
"It's so important to have a working smoke alarm, a minimum of two in each property in the escape routes, generally in the landing or in the hallway," he said.
Mr Woodhouse encouraged people to contact their local authority for fire safety checks for their homes.
"If people don't have a smoke alarm, they can contact the local fire authority for further advice. They can also go to the Fire Ireland website, and contact the local fire authority for further advice in relation to community fire safety," he added.
Chimeny fires are preventable, advises fire brigade officer
Station Officer with the Dublin Fire Brigade Darren O'Connor said that chimney fires are preventable.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, Mr O'Connor said: "The thing with chimney fires is that they're purely preventable. It's a build up of soot and different fuels that people are starting to burn, and can put different deposits across the inside of the flue lining.
"Our advice to people during the summer months is always to get the chimney cleaned, keep it clean, get it inspected," he said.
Mr O’Connor said the burning of turf and briquettes leave dirtier deposits on flue linings, and they were difficult to maintain because of their location.
"Turf and briquettes would be one that would line the inside of the chimney with deposits, from my experience of over 20 years in the fire brigade," he said.
"They can all leave different linings and deposits on the inside of the flue and then that can lead to them going on fire with the build-up.
"In the house, it's very difficult because it's up in the flue, up high, it's inaccessible and it's difficult to deal with for a homeowner [to tackle]," he added.
