Concern over rise in fire deaths
3 Jul 1996
SMOKE ALARM LEGISLATION SOUGHT
By Tom Kelly
A TOP level move is being launched to have the fitting of smoke alarms in private homes made compulsory.
The initiative has been taken by members of Castlebar Urban Council. They are concerned by the growing number of deaths annually in domestic fires.
Now an urgent call has been issued on the Department of the Environment to introduce legislation making it obligatory on all householders to install smoke alarms.
They also want steps taken to ensure that planning permission for new houses would include a special condition relating to smoke alarms.
Mr. Frank Durcan, a member of the authority, said he was concerned with figures which indicated that 90 per cent of fires occurred in local authority houses.
"If that is the case, a great responsibility rests with all local authorities to take positive action.
"The best solution is for the Department of the Environment to make the fitting of smoke alarms compulsory.
"Regular spot checks should be undertaken and heavy fines imposed on those failing to meet the regulations.
"A smoke alarm is a very basic but effective means of fire prevention. They save lives."
Mr. Durcan proposed that people with medical cards should be supplied with fire alarms free of charge.
Another member of the authority, Mr. Blackie Gavin, said the proposal was the best to come before the council in a long time.
As a member of the local fire fighting unit, Mr. Gavin said the majority of deaths in fires were caused by the toxic flames.
"We should send out the message loud and clear that smoke alarms must be installed in all homes."
Mr. Johnny Mee said he would be interested to find out from the Central Statistics Office if 90 per cent of domestic fires occurred in council homes.
"If that is the case, it brings into serious question the electric installation in such houses."
Mr. Alex Fleming, assistant county manager, said all new council houses were built to specific standards in that regard.
