The first incident occurred at 10.55am on 12 December at Queen Victoria Gardens in the Fortwilliam area of Belfast.
Crews from Westland, Whitla and Springfield stations responded to reports of a flat fire, rescuing two people from the property.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze. A man in his 20s died at the scene. Fire crews left shortly before 2pm.
Just over an hour later, at 12.29pm, crews from Bangor and Newtownards attended a second incident at Abbey Park in Bangor.
The fire was already out when firefighters arrived, but they provided first aid to three people. A woman in her 50s was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters left at 1.50pm.
Both incidents are currently under investigation.
Queen Victoria Gardens area
Photo: Olivia Peden
In the wake of the tragedies, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging households across Northern Ireland to follow its STOP Fire safety guidance:
S – Smoke alarms
T – Test alarms weekly
O – Obvious dangers
P – Plan your escape
Area Commander Suzanne Fleming expressed condolences to the families affected and said the incidents highlight how quickly fires can erupt and how devastating the consequences can be.
“The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a man and woman who sadly died today following two separate house fires,” she said.
“We are urging everyone to take a moment today to check their smoke alarms and ensure they are working correctly, never remove the batteries, and if the alarm is faulty, replace it immediately. Check in on vulnerable family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may need support to ensure they have working smoke alarms and CO alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
She also reminded the public of the importance of maintaining clear escape routes and keeping keys close to doors and windows, and added: “Fire prevention is at the heart of what we do at NIFRS.
“We will continue to work closely with the community to spread the STOP Fire message and urge everyone to remain vigilant and prioritise fire safety in the home this winter and beyond.”
Emergency services at the scene in the Abbey Park area, Bangor.
Photo: Olivia Peden
The fire was extinguished by fire fighters, but a woman in her 50s was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three fire appliances from Bangor and Newtownards fire stations attended the incident.
Fire fighters in breathing apparatus rescued three people from the blaze and two were treated for smoke inhalation.
Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding both incidents, but at this stage, it is not believed that the deaths are suspicious.
MP for North Belfast John Finucane said the death of the man in the Fortwilliam area was “absolutely devastating”.
“This will be heartbreaking for his family, friends and the wider community,” added the Sinn Fein MP.
“My thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones as they try to come to terms with such a tragic and unimaginable loss.”