FIRE Services in Limerick City and County were mobilised to 81 incidents last Christmas, a 17 per cent decrease on the previous year.
Limerick Fire and Rescue Service is now urging members of the public to maintain this downward trend by putting fire safety at the top of their Christmas lists this year.
The majority of emergency call-outs for from December 20, 2012, to January 6, 2013, were attended by Limerick City Fire Service with 48 call-outs. In the same timeframe, County Fire Services attended 33 call-outs in Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Cappamore, Kilmallock and Abbeyfeale. This represents a 17 per cent decrease, down from 98, on the number of festive call-outs in 2011.
According to Limerick chief fire officer Michael Ryan, the main causes of fire during the festive season are candles left unprotected, fairylights left on all night or improperly wired, Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.
“Christmas is a time for celebrating with families but it also is a time when extra fire hazards appear such as fairy lights, candles, open fires and decorations. I encourage householders across Limerick to think about fire safety ahead of and during the Christmas period to avoid the risk of their Christmas being ruined,” said Mr Ryan.
Limerick’s chief fire officer is now urging the public to familiarise themselves with the fire safety advice available on the Council websites at www.lcc.ie or www.limerickcity.ie.
