The Presidency of Uruguay has reported the launch of a national fire prevention campaign aimed at reducing home fire incidents and fatalities, particularly during the winter months.
According to government figures, Uruguay recorded over 1,200 residential fire incidents in 2025, resulting in 17 deaths and approximately 365 poisonings due to smoke inhalation.
The new campaign, titled “Prevention Saves Lives,” focuses on improving public awareness of household fire risks and is being rolled out across the country.
The strategy is led by the National Fire Department and involves coordination with the Ministry of Social Development (Mides), the National Emergency System (Sinae), and the state utility company UTE.
Over the last four years, 174 people have died in Uruguay due to residential fires, prompting a targeted response focused on community-level prevention.
At the launch of the campaign, National Fire Director Valeria Vasconcellos stated that most of the country’s fire-related deaths occurred in Montevideo.
Vasconcellos explained that the campaign is primarily aimed at families, citing the concentration of deaths in recent years as a key factor in defining the strategy.
She said: “The initiative is focused on families, given the number of deaths from this cause in previous years.”
“Most of the deaths occur in Montevideo.”
“But the ‘Prevention Saves Lives’ campaign will be nationwide.”
According to the fire services, most fatal incidents take place inside private homes, typically during colder months when heating devices are in use.
Authorities hope that raising awareness at a national level will reduce the seasonal peak in incidents concentrated in the capital and surrounding areas.
The Presidency of Uruguay reported that the campaign involves multiple state institutions working in partnership.
The National Fire Department is responsible for implementation and community outreach.
Mides is supporting through social programs that can help disseminate fire safety information in vulnerable communities.
The National Emergency System is coordinating response protocols and information sharing.
UTE is also involved, likely contributing to messaging on safe electricity use and infrastructure risks related to home heating.
The government emphasized that the approach is preventative and community-oriented, aiming to reduce both the number and severity of incidents.
The campaign includes a list of recommended safety practices distributed through media, public service videos, and social platforms.
According to the Presidency, these include checking that ventilation grilles are properly fitted and unobstructed.
Citizens are advised not to overload power outlets and to maintain a safe distance between heating appliances and flammable objects.
The guidance also stresses the importance of having a clear evacuation plan and ensuring all household members know how to respond in an emergency.
Exit paths should remain clear, and addresses must be clearly communicated to emergency responders to reduce dispatch times.
Uruguay’s fire services have already responded to more than 1,200 residential fire incidents in the 2025 season, the Presidency confirmed.
Many of these fires were not large-scale but still resulted in medical attention for affected individuals.
Officials said these events often stemmed from preventable conditions within the home.
The fire department highlighted that even smaller incidents can present serious risks, particularly in enclosed spaces during winter.
This has added urgency to the campaign’s rollout, with authorities pushing consistent messaging to reduce further harm.
Uruguay recorded over 1,200 residential fire incidents in 2025.
These incidents caused 17 deaths and around 365 cases of poisoning.
The government has launched a national fire safety campaign titled “Prevention Saves Lives.”
The campaign targets winter household fire risks and focuses on family safety.
It is led by the National Fire Department in coordination with Mides, Sinae, and UTE.
Most deaths from residential fires in recent years occurred in Montevideo.
Authorities aim to reduce such fatalities through public safety education.
Fire Director Valeria Vasconcellos said the campaign is focused on families.
Fire services have responded to more than 1,200 fires this season.
Common causes include heating device misuse and poor ventilation.
Key recommendations include not overloading outlets and clearing exits.
Citizens are advised to prepare evacuation plans and know emergency procedures.
Accurate addresses should be given to aid emergency response.
Public messaging will run through social media and traditional channels.
The government reported 174 deaths from home fires over the past four years.
