There were 25 fatalities in Ireland due to fire incidents in 2024, according to official statistics published on Monday.

Chimneys, flues, hot ashes and soot were the top causes of fires recorded last year.

Blazes started due to malicious intent and rubbish burning also featured highly in the figures published by the Department of Housing and Local Government.

Brigades attended almost 20,000 fires in 2024 across various locations in the Republic, including domestic buildings, industrial facilities, motor vehicles, forest and grassland areas, outdoor rubbish sites, as well as ships and aircraft.

Within homes, fires caused by electrical wiring and electrical equipment, cooking and heating all featured as causes of fire.

Of the 25 deaths last year, 21 were people aged 55 or over.

Keith L

See Full Page