Four fatal house fires in three days in Northern Ireland ‘deeply concerning’

An appeal for safety has been issued after a fourth person died in a fatal fire in Northern Ireland in three days.

A woman aged in her 90s died after a fire broke out at a home in Lisburn on Sunday evening.

Firefighters responded to reports of a fire at a mobile home on Tansy Road at 5.54pm.

Responders wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, and left the scene at 10.46pm.

The PSNI said it is continuing to investigate the fire, but said the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

It is the fourth fatal house fire in Northern Ireland in recent days, all of which are believed to be caused by accidental ignition.

A woman in her 40s died after a fire broke out in Dunmurry, Co Antrim, just before 4am on Saturday.

Three others – a man in his 50s, a 19-year-old woman and an 11-year-old girl – were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

On Friday, two people died in separate residential fires in Belfast and Bangor.

A man in his 20s died in a blaze at a property in the Queen Victoria Gardens area of north Belfast, while a woman in her 50s died after a fire at a property in the Abbey Park area of Bangor at about 12.30pm.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has issued an urgent appeal to advise people to prioritise home fire safety “to prevent any further loss of life and injury”.

NIFRS area commander Suzanne Fleming said: “The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a woman who died yesterday evening as a result of a mobile home fire at Tansy Road, Lisburn.

“In the space of just three days, four people have sadly lost their lives to separate home fire incidents across Northern Ireland.

“This number of fatal incidents in such a short space of time is both highly unusual and deeply concerning.

“We are strongly urging the public to make home fire safety a priority. Check that smoke alarms are fitted and tested regularly, avoid overloading plug sockets and extension leads, and take extra care with cooking and electrical appliances.

“Ensure you have a bedtime routine and unplug all electrical items that are not required to be left on overnight.

“You should have a fire escape plan and that everyone you live with knows it.

“Remember to check in on vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends who may need support to stay safe from fire.

“These recent fires show how quickly everyday situations can turn into life-changing emergencies.

“Taking a few simple steps now could prevent further loss of life or serious injury and help keep people safe in their homes. So far this year there have been 15 fatal house fires.

“We do not want that number to increase, and we need your help to prevent it.”