NIFRS urges households to make fire safety a lasting habit as winter fire statistics revealed

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging households to make fire safety a year-round habit rather than a short-lived New Year’s resolution, as new figures highlight the continued risk of accidental house fires during the winter months.

The appeal follows a series of tragic house fires in December and comes as data shows winter remains one of the most dangerous times of year for accidental dwelling fires, with cooking, electricity and smoking materials the leading causes.

As families take down Christmas decorations and return to everyday routines, NIFRS is encouraging simple but consistent safety habits — such as checking smoke alarms, avoiding overloaded plug sockets and never leaving cooking unattended — to help prevent fires before they start.

If a fire does break out, the message remains clear: don’t try to tackle it yourself — get out, stay out and call 999 to ask for the Fire & Rescue Service.

Winter Fire Statistics: What the Figures Show

Figures released by NIFRS show a clear pattern in the causes of accidental major dwelling fires during the core winter period between 1 December and 28 February over the past three years.

Cooking appliances remain the leading cause, accounting for 155 major fires during the winter months since 2022. While the number has fallen year-on-year — from 65 incidents in 2022–23, to 53 in 2023–24, and 37 so far in 2024–25 — cooking continues to pose the greatest risk.

Electrical supply-related fires were responsible for 88 winter incidents, with figures remaining consistently high across the three years (35, 27 and 26 respectively), underlining the dangers of faulty wiring, overloaded sockets and unsafe electrical appliances.

Fires linked to smoking materials show a worrying recent increase, rising from five incidents in 2023–24 to 17 so far this winter, following nine cases in 2022–23.

Overall, NIFRS attended 562 accidental major house fires during the winter period across the three years analysed. While winter incidents have declined slightly — from 204 in 2022–23 to 169 so far in 2024–25 — the figures demonstrate that the risk remains significant.

Across the entire year, accidental major house fires totalled 2,045 incidents, with annual figures peaking at 731 in 2023–24, before falling to 623 in 2024–25.

‘The Little Things Done Consistently’

NIFRS Group Commander David Shortt said winter conditions play a major role in fire risk, as people spend more time indoors using heating, electrical appliances and cooking facilities.

“We all know how long, dark and cold our winters can be in Northern Ireland, and it’s only natural that everyone heads indoors to stay warm. But it’s also the season that is most high risk for accidental house fires. Little things like leaving a saucepan unattended for a moment while cooking that new recipe, forgetting to switch off the portable heater before you go to bed or leaving a cigarette to smoulder can turn a cosy evening into a dangerous and sometimes life-changing incident.”

He said NIFRS wants households to focus on practical, everyday actions that can prevent fires from starting or spreading.

“This winter, we’re encouraging households to start or continue making small changes that really make a difference. We want people to avoid leaving cooking unattended, check their electrical wires and plug sockets, keep warm safely, and ensure all smoking materials are put out correctly.”

Drawing on real-life experiences, Group Commander Shortt highlighted how routine safety checks can save lives.

“Over the years, we’ve seen families whose quick thinking or bedtime routines prevented fires from spreading. Our message is simple. Make these new habits the resolutions that really count in 2026. It’s the little things done consistently that keep homes the safe spaces they’re meant to be.”

Checking In on Vulnerable Neighbours

NIFRS is also encouraging people to look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives, particularly during the colder months.

“Above all, we’re urging everyone to make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. If you have elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours, take some time to check in on them and offer to make sure their smoke alarms are working or help them complete an online Home Fire Safety Check at www.nifrs.org.”

NIFRS Winter Fire Safety Advice

NIFRS is reminding households to follow key winter safety advice, including:

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor and test them regularly

• Don’t overload electrical plug sockets or ignore warning signs such as scorch marks or hot smells

• Never leave candles or cooking unattended

• Switch off portable heaters and charging leads as part of a bedtime routine

• Avoid cooking or smoking if tired, after drinking alcohol, or when drowsy

• Make a fire escape plan and keep exits clear

The service also promotes its STOP Fire message:

• S – Smoke alarm

• T – Test it

• O – Obvious dangers

• P – Plan your escape route

More advice and the online Home Fire Safety Check are available at www.nifrs.org.