NIFRS issues safety plea following two house fire fatalities in one day

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued an urgent appeal for households to prioritise fire safety following two fatal house fires attended within a matter of hours.

Firefighters were called to two separate incidents on Friday, 12 December 2025, both of which resulted in the tragic loss of life. The incidents, which occurred in Belfast and Bangor, are currently under investigation.

The first incident was reported at 10.55am, when firefighters from Westland, Whitla and Springfield Fire Stations responded to reports of a flat fire at Queen Victoria Gardens in the Fortwilliam area of Belfast.

Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued two casualties from the property and used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. Tragically, a man aged in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters left the incident at 1.48pm.

Just over an hour later, at 12.29pm, firefighters from Bangor and Newtownards Fire Stations attended a house fire at Abbey Park, Bangor.

The fire was out on arrival, and crews assisted with first aid on three casualties. A woman aged in her 50s sadly died at the scene. Firefighters left the location at 1.50pm.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Saturday morning (December 13), NIFRS attended a further house blaze alongside colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in the Areema Drive area of Dunmurry.

Providing an update at 4.45am, a PSNI spokesperson said:

“Police are currently alongside emergency services colleagues at the scene of a fire at a residential property in the Areema Drive area of Dunmurry.

“An update will be provided in due course.”

In light of the incidents, NIFRS has reiterated its ‘STOP Fire’ safety message, urging households to remain vigilant:

• S – Smoke alarms

• T – Test alarms weekly

• O – Obvious dangers

• P – Plan your escape

NIFRS Area Commander Suzanne Fleming expressed condolences to the families affected and highlighted the importance of fire prevention.

She said:

“The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a man and woman who sadly died today following 2 separate house fires. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of how quickly fires can break out and how devastating their impact can be.

“We are urging everyone to take a moment today to check their smoke alarms and ensure they are working correctly, never remove the batteries, and if the alarm is faulty, replace it immediately. Check in on vulnerable family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may need support to ensure they have working smoke alarms and CO alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.

“We are also reminding the public of the importance of having a fire escape plan. Keep escape routes clear and keys close by to windows and doors to ensure quick access in an emergency.

“Fire prevention is at the heart of what we do at NIFRS. We will continue to work closely with the community to spread the STOP Fire message and urge everyone to remain vigilant and prioritise fire safety in the home this winter and beyond.”

NIFRS continues to work closely with partner agencies as investigations into the fires remain ongoing.