Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council's Home Safety Team are backing calls for increased vigilance in homes to prevent fire tragedies.

The community fire vigilance appeal is part of North South Fire Safety Week 2023.

Statistics from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) show that seven of the 10 people who tragically lost their lives in accidental house fires in 2022 were known to other agencies.

These statistics have encouraged NIFRS to reach out to those working in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors to provide them with additional support to help keep people safe from fire in their home.

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Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, said: "Our partner agencies and caring professionals are the eyes and ears’ for us in the community. They work incredibly hard and play an invaluable part in helping NIFRS keep those most at risk in our community safe from fire.

"This Fire Safety Week we are reconnecting with all our partners to explore what additional support we can offer them to help be fire aware. We are also asking others who work closely with those most at risk in our community to consider becoming one of our partners.

"There is real value in understanding how to deal with risky behaviours around smoking, cooking, electrical safety and having a clear fire escape plan whilst also ensuring the person at risk can live comfortably at home.

"We want to deliver the best support we can to our partners and our community by providing help and guidance to keep people safe."

Mr Jennings encourages those who are eligible to avail of a Free Home Fire Safety Check to do so this winter.