Helen Keogh
Question:47 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Environment the number of deaths from house fires in 1996; and if he intends to initiate any measures to avert fatal fires. [1531/97]
Written Answers. - Fire Statistics.
Fire statistics supplied to my Department by the fire authorities indicate that, in 1995, 38 fatalities occurred in fires attended by fire brigades, of which 32 were in houses or flats; figures for 1996 are not yet available.
As regards measures to reduce the risk of fires, the Building Control Act and the building regulations prescribe detailed fire safety requirements for new buildings, including houses, and for material alterations or changes of use. Technical guidance documents which accompany the regulations contain comprehensive guidance on matters such as means of escape, including the provision of smoke alarms, internal and external fire spread, and access and facilities for the fire brigade. Following a review by my Department, it is intended to publish new technical guidance shortly; this will require improved standards in many aspects of new buildings, including fire safety provisions.
The National Safety Council, which has responsibility for promoting fire safety, has given a high profile in its campaigns to fire safety in the home. Particular stress has been placed on the value of smoke alarms which, if properly installed and maintained, can provide early warning of fire and save lives. The council recently launched a new national radio advertising campaign, "A Minute for Fire Safety", which emphasises the simple routine tasks which should be carried out each night to guard against fire.
In the last analysis, fire safety in the home is the responsibility of the individual householder. Better awareness of the dangers of fire and of fire hazards together with simple common sense fire prevention practices, can help to prevent and reduce the number of fires and the consequent tragic fatalities and injuries.
As regards the services provided by the fire authorities, improvements have been made on a comprehensive basis in the fire services over recent years covering equipment, organisation and staffing, and the legislative framework.
Capital investment by the State since 1981 has resulted in the provision of over 90 new or reconstructed fire stations, over 320 fire appliances and a wide range of emergency equipment, as well as major improvements in mobilisation and communication systems. In this regard, three regional mobilisation and communication control centres at Limerick, Castlebar and Dublin are either already in operation or being developed to handle all emergency calls from the fire services.
Major improvements have taken place in the training of fire service personnel. Training facilities have been provided at several centres around the country to facilitate the training of brigades locally. To complement this local training, the Fire Service Council has, since 1983, held almost 200 training courses for over 3,000 local fire officers.
A series of codes of practice and guidelines have been issued by my Department in recent years giving advice on fire safety in places of assembly, hotels and guesthouses, flats and apartments, and nursing homes. Work is continuing on the preparation of further guidance.