Staged blaze launches All-Ireland Fire Week
A living room went up in flames in south Belfast today as bystanders, journalists and government staff looked on.
However, the living room in question was housed in a 40 foot-long container lorry as All-Ireland Fire Week was launched at the Fire Brigade’s Balmoral Training Centre.
Northern Ireland Health Minister Angela Smith was joined by TD Pat ’the Cope’ Gallagher, to raise awareness of the dangers of fire at the start of the second joint annual cross-border campaign.
Ms Smith said everyone north and south of the border will be targeted by fire safety messages this week, with a particular focus on the more vulnerable members of society, such as the very young and elderly.
“It is important that everyone is aware of the risks of fire and takes preventative action to reduce those risks. Fire Safety Week will help achieve that,” she said.
“I am also pleased to note that further emphasis is being given to raise public awareness of the dangers of hoax calls.
“These calls are not fun, they are not clever, and they are not acceptable.
“We need to be sure that Fire Service resources are available to react quickly to genuine emergency situations. Hoax callers must be made to understand that they are putting lives at risk which could be members of their own families.”
The minister also called for continuing attacks on fire and emergency service staff to stop.
“Such attacks are irresponsible. They endanger not only the emergency crews but also those that they are trying to help,” she said.
“I call on all sections of the community, community leaders and elected representatives to take action to ensure that they stop.”
The theme for Fire Safety Week this year is: “Fire, Our Community at Risk”.
The campaign will focus on smoke alarms and maintenance, the main causes of fire, identifying escape routes, a safety team targeted at children and the danger of hoax calls.
