The number of road traffic accidents attended by the fire service in Co Clare tripled in the last five years, it emerged today.
New figures show a hike in the number of general emergency calls received in the county, with more than 1,200 last year marking a jump of about 12 per cent on 2005.
This comes as a major new fire safety initiative was launched aimed at making householders more aware of fire hazards.
"The most significant elements of statistics from recent years include the significant increase in attendance at road traffic incidences over the five-year period by almost 300 per cent, the continued high rate of chimney fires and the almost doubling of motor vehicle fires," Clare's chief fire officer Adrian Kelly said.
"False alarms have remained constant over the last 3 years, but still remain high, with resources continuing to be deployed unnecessarily."
According to the statistics released today, a total of 569 emergency calls were made to Ennis Fire Station in 2006, representing a 20 per cent jump on figures for 2005.
Meanwhile the the 'Fire Safety In The Home' initiative launched in Ennis will involve house visits by Fire Service personnel to raise awareness of safety measures.
The pilot programme will focus on approximately 70 houses in certain areas of the town, and, where necessary, smoke detectors will be provided.
"The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Clare local authorities to improve the overall fire safety in the home," said Mayor of Clare, Cllr Flan Garvey.
"Sadly, the number of incidences of fire in Clare remains unacceptably high, which is why I would encourage householders to use their own initiative to learn and do more about fire prevention in the home."