Chimneys, flues, hot ashes and soot were the top cause of fire recorded in 2024. Fires occurring due to malicious intent and rubbish burning also featured highly in statistics published today, compiled by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage using data provided by fire services throughout the country.

Fire brigades attended almost 20,000 fires in 2024 across various locations that included domestic buildings, industrial facilities, motor vehicles, forest and grassland areas, outdoor rubbish sites, right through to ships and aircraft. Within homes, fires caused by electrical wiring and electrical equipment, cooking and heating all featured as causes of fire attended by fire brigades in 2024. The data also records 25 total fatalities in 2024 from fire incidents in homes, with 21 of those 25 deaths involving people aged 55 or over.

See the website for fire 'cause' and 'fatality' statistics for previous years.