Vital Community play their part in being Fire Safe

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their services and have issued a statement asking the community to play their part in being fire safe.

A NIFRS Spokesperson said  “Like many organisations we are beginning to feel the impact on our ability to deliver our service.  However, coping mechanisms have been put in place and are working well thanks to the resilience and hard work of our people.

“We continually monitor station availability and, despite emerging short time pressures, are confident that our coping mechanisms ensure that we can continue to deliver an emergency response to all parts of Northern Ireland.

“We want to reassure the public that your fire and rescue service will continue to respond when you need us the most and you should always call 999 in an emergency.

“January continues to be a high risk time of year for accidental house fires in the home.  With this increased risk, the fact more people are spending time at home due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the pressures NIFRS is currently under due to the pandemic, means that it is vital that the community play their part in being fire safe and fire aware.

“Follow the STOP Fire Message- S- have a Smoke alarm on every floor of your home; T- Test your smoke alarms weekly; O- be aware of the Obvious dangers in your home; and P- Plan your escape route, should a fire occur. Anyone who is concerned for their own or someone else’s home fire safety should contact NIFRS HQ on 02892664221”