Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection has launched Fire Safety Week 2026, which runs from Sunday 12 October to Saturday 18 October. The county campaign sits inside a national and cross-border push whose theme this year is "Know Your Room, Know the Risk, Know the Person".
According to Monaghan County Council, the theme is about spotting fire hazards in the rooms people use every day and checking in on older relatives, neighbours and others who may be at greater risk. Chief Fire Officer Dermot Brannigan pointed to national figures from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management: 34 people died in fires in Ireland in 2025, up from 25 in 2024, with an average age of 63 and smoking the leading known cause. Almost one-third of fatal dwelling fires in 2025 started in bedrooms, he said, which is why alarms that can be heard from bedrooms at night matter.
What the council is asking people to do
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Campbell said small actions can make a big difference, and thanked Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection staff for prevention work and for answering calls around the clock. Chief Executive Robert Burns said the key message is awareness: knowing the risks in everyday rooms and taking simple steps to cut them.
The service is promoting the STOP Fire message through local and social media during the week: fit and test smoke alarms so they can be heard from bedrooms; watch for obvious dangers such as cooking, heaters, open fires, smoking materials and charging devices; and plan an escape, including a quick check before bed. A primary-school fire safety poster competition is also running, with the winner to be announced during the week.
Free smoke alarms on Saturday 17 October
On Saturday 17 October, firefighters will be in Monaghan's five towns offering fire safety advice and free smoke alarms to eligible households. People who need more information can contact the Fire Prevention Office at [email protected] or follow Monaghan Fire & Civil Protection on social media.
Nationally, Housing Minister James Browne TD launched Fire Safety Week at Enniscorthy Fire Station, stressing working smoke alarms, clear exits and looking out for older people living alone. Free alarms for vulnerable households are also available through the Community Smoke Alarm Scheme via local fire services and FireIreland.ie.
