Communities are being urged to help protect older people from fire.
A new campaign reminds people to check in on their neighbours, especially those aged 65 and over.
National Fire Safety Week, which launches today, is urging people to support their communities with simple actions and shared knowledge among neighbours, friends, and family, such as checking smoke alarms, escape routes, and whether chimneys have been cleaned.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management says vulnerable households can also apply to have a free smoke alarm fitted by contacting the local fire service or going to fireireland.ie.
The directorate warns that the rate of serious house fires is much higher for older people living alone, with 69 an average age of a fire death.
