NIFRS and Barnardo’s NI Working Together to ‘STOP Fire’

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has joined forces with Barnardo’s NI in order to identify and protect children and young people from accidental house fires.  

Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, NIFRS explains:  “Fire safety is an issue that impacts everyone in Northern Ireland but we know there are people who because of their circumstances - either mobility or health issues that impact on their ability to acknowledge and respond to a fire - are at a greater risk. 

“Our aim is to protect those most at risk but we also recognise that we cannot solve the problem alone.  We need to work in partnership with organisations such as Barnardo’s NI to raise awareness of fire safety so that together we can tackle the problem.

“Over the coming months the new partnership agreement will see us providing free Home Fire Safety Checks for families referred to us by Barndardo’s NI. The Home Fire Safety Checks ensure that practical fire safety advice is given by local Firefighters, fire escape plans developed and smoke alarms checked or fitted.  

“This partnership approach ultimately saves lives and helps us protect and engage directly with those in the community who need our help most.  We want to reach a stage where we have no fatalities due to accidental house fires.”  

Barnardo’s NI operates approximately 40 services across Northern Ireland supporting vulnerable children and their families. 

Michele Janes, Assistant Director Children’s Services Barnardo’s NI said – “We are delighted to work with NIFRS to help raise awareness of fire safety.  By working together, and identifying opportunities to support those who are most vulnerable in our society, we can make a real difference to the lives of people across Northern Ireland.”

NIFRS currently has 64 partnership agreements with organisations across the health, social care, voluntary and local government sectors, who deliver care services to people at risk on a daily basis.  To find out how to become a partner agency with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, please contact [email protected] or 02892 664 221.