Fire Safety Week launched in Monaghan

Do you 'Know your Room, Know your Person, Know your Risk' this Fire Safety Week?

MONAGHAN Fire and Civil Protection together with Monaghan County Council is encouraging people across the county to make fire safety a priority during this Fire Safety Week.

This year's theme, "Know Your Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person", focuses on helping people recognise fire hazards in the rooms they use every day and take simple steps to reduce those risks.

The campaign also encourages people to check in on older relatives, neighbours and vulnerable members of their community who may be at greater risk from fire.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Fire Officer for County Monaghan, Dermot Brannigan, said: "Every home should have working smoke alarms that are regularly tested and can be heard from bedrooms at night.

"Early warning saves lives," he emphasised.

As part of the campaign, firefighters will be present in Monaghan's five towns on Saturday, October 17, providing fire safety advice and distributing free smoke alarms to eligible households.

Throughout the week, the central message is that "Fire safety starts with understanding the dangers that can exist in different parts of the home. Unattended cooking, open fires, heaters, smoking materials and charging electrical devices can all pose significant fire risks if not used safely.

Recent fire fatality statistics published by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management show that 34 people lost their lives in fires in Ireland during 2025, an increase from 25 fatalities in 2024.

The average age of those who died was 63, with 40% aged over 65. Smoking remained the leading known cause of fatal fires.

And, of the fatal dwelling fires recorded last year, almost one-third originated in bedrooms, highlighting the importance of understanding the risks that can exist in every room of the home.

"The key message this year is awareness," Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Ribert Burns said at the launch, "Knowing the risks in the rooms we use every day and taking simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire."

Meanwhile, Cathaoirleach of the council, Aidan Campbell, commended the staff of Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection for the great work they do & commitment to fire prevention, community fire safety and on the ground by attending to incidents 24/7."

For further fire safety information visit Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection's social media channels or contact the Fire Prevention Office at fireprevention@monaghancoco.ie