The house at Silverhill Park in which two people died
THE LOCAL Fire Service District Commander has warned people here to make safety a priority after three tragic deaths in house fires over the past six weeks.
Robbie Bryson, who is based in Enniskillen explained that he can not recall in his time in the service such a period of fatalities, but said these ‘freak occurrences’ do happen.
“We’ve had the three deaths since the 3rd of December so I’d to take the opportunity to extend the sympathy of myself and all the people in Enniskillen station to the two families. It’s been very sad and the thing is with local crews working in local areas is they often know the people that they’re trying to rescue and very sadly this was the case in both instances.”
He continued: “Occasionally it does happen that there are these spikes, unfortunate spikes, but I don’t recall definitely not in my time I can’t recall a time like this. We try to do our best, we try to promote education, but very sadly these freak occurrences happen.”
On December 3, 57 year-old John Brazil lost his life at his home at Drumgay Close in Enniskillen, while a fire on December 27 at a house in Silverhill Park, Enniskillen claimed the life of Daphne Reid, with her husband Franklin passing away from his injuries in hospital on Monday, January 4.
The three deaths were a result of accidental house fires and Mr Bryson has urged for action to prevent further tragedies.
“We have this acronym known as STOP. Smoke alarm – make sure you Test it and know the Obvious causes; chip pans, candles, smoking in bed that sort of thing and P is plan your escape. Simple things like if you lock the door make sure you know where the key is.”
This year there has been an increase in the number of accidental dwelling fires and fatalities across the North. In total, there were 882 accidental house fires in 2014 and 889 in 2015. Tragically, there were eight accidental fire deaths in 2014 and 11 people lost their lives in accidental dwelling fires in 2015. While there has been an increase across the North in the number of house fires, locally the number of fires has decreased, from 37 in 2014 to 34 in 2015.
When asked to explain the current spike Mr Bryson was at a loss.
“I really can’t explain it, every year accidental dwelling fires have the potential to be fatal and thankfully the vast majority aren’t, but every so often this can happen.”
He added:
“The main thing is having a working smoke alarm. If you have a working smoke alarm then you’ll get early warning and be able to make your way out. And the key is make your way out, don’t try to tackle the fire, just make your way out.”
To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Check call 028 9260 0477 or visit www.nifrs.org for further information.
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