Chimneys and illegal rubbish burning top causes of fires in Laois

There were almost 300 fires in Laois last year and one fatality

Published 19th Aug 2026, 20:00 BST Emergency services responding to a grass fire at Smiths Field in Mountmellick in recent weeks. Photo: Leinster Express. There were almost 300 fires in Laois last year and one fatality Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

Chimneys and burning rubbish were the leading known causes of fires in Laois last year, with a total of 299 fires in the county and one fire fatality.

The latest figures from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management show an increase in fire fatalities across the country last year with a total of 34, including one fire related death in Laois. However, the NDFEM stated that the figure is considered to be low by international standards.

There were a total of 299 fires across Laois in 2025 and there were two notably common causes within this number.

Laois County Fire & Rescue Service responded to 47 fires which were caused by chimneys, hot ash or soot, as well as 43 fires which were caused by burning rubbish.

In Ireland, outdoor rubbish burning is strictly illegal under waste management regulations and breaking these rules could lead up to fines of €5,000 or prosecution.

The figures also show a significant number of these fires had “malicious” causes, while the causes of 124 of the fires in Laois remain unknown.

The NDFEM said smoking was again the leading cause of fires which resulted in fatalities in Ireland. Four of the fires in Laois last year were determined to be caused by cigarettes.

Other common causes of fires in the county which stood out were cooking and heating which resulted in 13 fires and seven fires caused by electrical items.

Serious concern in Laois after grass ‘sizzled’ by drought Of the total number of fires in Laois last year, 30 were car fires, seven were located on farms and six at storage buildings and warehouses.

Laois County Fire & Rescue Service had a very busy year in 2025, as although there were 299 fires in the county, local firefighters responded to over 1,036 fire and non-fire related incidents altogether.

For example, Laois firefighters attended 179 road traffic accidents last year.

The eight fire stations across Laois receive on average more than one call a day over the course of a year, ranging from straightforward alarms being set off to serious fires or accidents.

So far this year, Laois County Fire & Rescue Service has responded to 461 emergency incidents, made up of 121 fires, 248 special service incidents and 92 false alarms. This gives rise to a total of 530 turnouts across the network of fire Stations

Commenting on last year’s figures, Keith Leonard, National Director for Fire and Emergency Management, said: “Although fire fatality trends can vary from year to year, the increase recorded in 2025 underlines the need for sustained fire safety awareness, prevention measures, and protection of vulnerable members of the community

“Our data shows that the home remains the highest-risk location for fire fatalities, and that older members of our communities are particularly vulnerable. We continue to urge everyone to take simple but vital steps to reduce risk, including maintaining working smoke alarms and being mindful of fire hazards such as smoking materials.

“Smoke alarms remain the single most important life-saving device in the home. While many homes are equipped with alarms, it is essential that they are properly maintained and regularly tested to ensure they operate effectively when needed.”

The NDFEM also warned about the dangers of fires when charging e-scooters and e-bikes: “These devices are powered by lithium‑ion batteries. Poor charging practices, unsafe storage, or low-quality products can lead to fast developing and life-threatening fires. Battery fires can spread quickly and release highly toxic fumes, which can be deadly.”