A man who died after a fire broke out in his bedroom today did not have a working smoke alarm.
Firefighters rescued the 59-year-old from the mid-terraced property on Young Street, Lisburn, Co Antrim after a neighbour raised the alarm.
He was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital but died a short time later from the effects of smoke inhalation.
The house was fitted with a smoke alarm but the life-saving device did not activate. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Group Commander Peter O'Reilly said: "It is important that people are aware that smoke detectors will alert them to the early stages of a fire.
"A fire escape plan can also save lives." On the cause of the first floor blaze, which was reported around 7.15am, Mr O'Reilly said: "We have no reason to believe it was anything other than accidental."
