The message comes at the start of Fire Safety Week.
Remember the importance of fire and smoke alarms and complete home checks to eliminate risks.
That's the message from Westmeath firefighters as part of Fire Safety Week, which kicks off today.
This year's initiative is focusing on enhancing safety practices in residential properties.
A recent National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management study shows cigarette ash was the most common cause of fire deaths last year, and over 60 per cent of those deaths were among people aged 65 and over.
Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer in Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service, Pat Hunt, says there's a free scheme available to people living on their own, the elderly and anyone with physical disabilities:
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