Minister launches Fire Safety Week 2026 campaign: Know the Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person
• Campaign highlights the importance of understanding the fire hazards that may exist in the spaces we use every day
• Nationwide ad campaign kicks off today across radio, television and social media
• Emphasis on early detection and being aware of the nearest emergency exits
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD launched National Fire Safety Week 2026 today calling on people across the country to take simple steps to protect themselves, their families and their communities from fire.
The theme of this year’s North/South campaign, ‘Know the Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person’, encourages everyone to pay closer attention to the fire hazards that can exist in the places they use every day.
The campaign runs from 12 to 18 October highlighting the importance of recognising fire risk, maintaining working smoke alarms and knowing the nearest emergency exits.
A nationwide media campaign begins today across TV, radio and social media channels to reinforce these potentially life-saving messages.
Minister James Browne said: “National Fire Safety Week is about empowering people to protect themselves, their families and their communities. This year’s theme, ‘Know the Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person’, encourages everyone to take a few moments to identify potential fire hazards in the rooms they use every day. Whether at home, at work or in public settings, being aware of risks, ensuring smoke alarms are working properly, and knowing the nearest emergency exits can make all the difference. Fire safety starts with awareness, and those simple actions can help save lives.”
Keith Leonard, director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said: “We want people to take a fresh look at the environments around them and consider the fire risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. From using electrical devices to cooking, many everyday activities can present fire hazards if not managed safely.
“Knowing the person is just as important as knowing the risk, particularly when it comes to older people, those living alone, or anyone who may need additional support to stay safe from fire.
“Early detection through working smoke alarms, combined with knowing the safest escape route, is critical to reducing the impact of fire. By understanding the risks in each room and being prepared to respond, everyone can play a role in making our homes and communities safer.”
Marcus Wright, assistant chief fire officer of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said Fire Safety Week is an important reminder that fire safety is a responsibility we all share, in our own homes and in looking out for those around us.
“We’re asking people to take a look around their homes and think about the risks that may be present in the rooms they spend the most time. Most accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen, while our figures show that the bedroom is where the greatest number of fatalities have occurred.
“We also want people to think about who may be at greater risk from fire. A significant proportion of those who have lost their lives in house fires lived alone. Whether that’s you, a family member, friend or neighbour, recognising that someone may need additional support could help keep them safe.”
Whether it’s cooking in the kitchen, heaters and open fires in the living room, or smoking and charging electrical items in the bedroom, knowing the risks can make a real difference. Awareness saves lives, and fire safety starts with knowing the risks in each room.
Being aware of your surroundings can make all the difference in preventing a fire and responding safely if one occurs. Take a few moments to look around, identify any potential fire risks, and familiarise yourself with the nearest emergency exits so you know the safest way out. Early detection is crucial, and properly functioning smoke alarms can provide the vital warning needed to escape quickly and safely. By staying alert and prepared, everyone can play a part in reducing the risk of fire and protecting lives.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) is also encouraging everyone to take part in this year’s ‘Know the Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person’ campaign by looking beyond their own home and checking in on older or more vulnerable members of their community.
Older people living alone remain at greater risk from serious house fires, making it especially important to identify potential fire hazards in the rooms they use every day. Taking a few minutes to help someone assess the risks in their home could make a lifesaving difference.
Consider asking:
• Do they have working smoke alarms?
• Are escape routes and exits clear and easy to access?
• Have chimneys and flues been cleaned and maintained?
• Are heaters, electrical appliances and extension leads being used safely?
• Are there any obvious fire hazards in the rooms they use most often?
The intensive media advertising campaign beginning today will run through the higher risk period of fire fatalities from October 2026 into 2027.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Managements is emphasising the need for working smoke alarms in every level of the home and the need to test them regularly. The Community Smoke Alarm Scheme provides free smoke alarms to vulnerable households. To find out more about having a smoke alarm fitted as part of the Community Smoke Alarm Scheme – contact your local Fire Service or go to FireIreland.ie.