European Fire Safety Awareness Week

As part of European Fire Safety Awareness Week, Ciaran Mullooly, hosted the discussion 'Making Fire Safety a Priority in the EU Housing Policy' at the European Parliament.

The meeting highlighted the actions currently taking place across the EU related to residential fire safety. New guidelines are currently being developed following their inclusion in the Energy Performance Directive. Furthermore, there is investment in the standardisation of fire statistics from the fire services in member states, and fire safety and smoke alarm awareness programmes are being implemented across the European Union.

Over 450,000 residential fires occur each year across Europe, and both the Commission, and the Parliament are working to reduce this.

The meeting was attended by Finian Joyce, former Leitrim Fire Chief and Vice Chair of the EUFSA and Shane Lyons from Athlone.

The keynote address was from Ciaran Mullooly and the discussion focused on how to include fire safety in the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan. Residential fires remain a significant risk across Europe, causing thousands of incidents, injuries, and property loss each year. Integrating fire safety standards, regulations, and prevention measures in housing policy is essential to reduce risk and protect residents, properties and the environment.

This event was followed up by European Smoke Alarm day, aiming to encourage all of us to install and test smoke alarms in the home. – Don’t forget Push to Test!