Highest house fire death toll in 25 years sparks urgent safety appeal across Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has recorded its highest number of house fire fatalities in a quarter of a century, prompting an urgent appeal from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) for the public to prioritise home fire safety and check on vulnerable loved ones and neighbours.

Newly released figures show that 2025 saw 16 people lose their lives in house fires, the highest annual total since 1999.

The data highlights stark and preventable risks, with smoking materials responsible for half of all fatal incidents, while electrical causes contributed to four deaths. Alarmingly, one third of the fires occurred in homes without working smoke alarms.

The statistics also reveal a troubling human dimension behind the numbers. Seventy-five per cent of those who died lived alone, and more than 65 per cent were classified within the NIFRS ‘People at Risk’ group, underscoring the vulnerability of isolated individuals, particularly during the winter months.

NIFRS is now urging households to begin the year by reassessing everyday safety habits, stressing that most house fires are preventable with simple precautions.

‘A key priority and concern’

NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright said the scale of the tragedy has deeply affected the service.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those who have died in 2025 in house fires.

“This is the highest number of fatalities since 1999 and is a key priority and concern for us. The fires show how quickly everyday situations can turn into life-changing emergencies leading to devastating impacts for our community.

“We are pleading with the public to make home fire safety a priority to prevent further loss of life or serious injury.”

Smoking materials remain the single greatest danger. According to NIFRS, they account for 43 per cent of fatal house fires over the past 10 years.

“Smoking materials has been the leading cause of fatal house fires, accounting for a staggering 43% of such deaths over the past 10 years. We strongly advise for you to smoke outdoors at your property and to extinguish cigarettes before placing them in a suitable container, such as a metal bin,” Mr Wright said.

Bedrooms among the most dangerous locations

The fire service has also highlighted where fatal fires are most likely to begin.

“A majority of the fatal fires started in a bedroom followed by living room and kitchen. Therefore, we ask that you check your smoke alarms are fitted, tested regularly, and replace batteries when needed. Please also consider installing smoke alarms in the rooms you use the most. We would also advise heat detectors in your kitchen and utility.”

With Northern Ireland currently in what NIFRS describes as a high-risk period for house fires, the service is placing renewed emphasis on community responsibility.

“As we continue to be in the high-risk time of year for house fire, we are asking you to take time to reach out to vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends who may need support to stay safe from fire, especially those who live alone.

“If you have any concerns about this person, you can also complete our online Home Fire Safety Check with them, or request an in-person visit.”

Call to partners and the wider community

NIFRS is also urging partner organisations to play a more active role in identifying and supporting those at risk.

“We are also calling on our partner agencies to make use of our referral system for Home Fire Safety Checks. You are the ‘eyes and ears’ in our community to helping us keep those most at risk safe from fire.

“We are currently considering what more can be done, over and above what is currently being done, to help keep those most at risk safe from fire, as we continue to educate our community and deliver engagement activities.”

Anyone who meets the NIFRS Person at Risk criteria, does not have internet access, or is unable to complete the online self-assessment can request a free in-person Home Fire Safety Check by calling 028 9266 4221.