Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has advised households to follow fire safety measures during Easter. Group Commander David Shortt stated that the holiday involves family gatherings but requires attention to fire risks. He noted that house fire fatalities reached their highest level in 25 years, with smoking as the main cause and cooking as the top reason for accidental home fires.

NIFRS recommends testing smoke alarms on every level of the home before cooking. The service urges people not to leave cooking unattended, to keep tea towels and oven gloves away from hobs, and to avoid cooking after drinking alcohol. Users should switch off cookers and hobs after use.

For decorations, NIFRS advises keeping candles away from Easter items and soft furnishings, and never leaving candles unattended. Outdoors, people should avoid open fires in dry windy conditions and position barbecues away from fences and sheds. Anyone spotting a countryside fire must call 999.

Those travelling should unplug electrical appliances before leaving home and identify the nearest exit at their destination. NIFRS asks people to check that smoke alarms work in private accommodation.

The service offers free home fire safety checks via its website for vulnerable people such as elderly relatives or neighbours. NIFRS extended wishes for a safe Easter to the public.