The call-out charge for the Mayo fire brigade to deal with house fires, other than chimney fires, is the most expensive in the country, according to a new AA survey.

The cost of a fire brigade call-out to a domestic fire in Mayo is €750 per hour, with a €150 charge for chimney fires.

The call-out charge in Roscommon is €250 for chimney fires and €500 for all other domestic fires, rising to €750 per hour at night-time, weekends and Bank Holidays.

In Sligo, there is no charge for private houses, but there is a fee for rented properties of €500 per hour

And in Galway city and county, the charge is €300 for chimney fires and €460 per hour for all other house fires.

AA spokesman Conor Faughnan says it’s important for home owners to check that their house insurance policy covers this cost.

The AA is also warning home and car owners to protect their property from fire and vandalism this Halloween.