North’s fire service deals with 303 emergency calls as Eleventh Night bonfires lit

Firefighters in Northern Ireland dealt with a surge of activity on the Eleventh Night, responding to 303 emergency calls as traditional bonfires were lit across the country. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported that operational activity remained consistently high from Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

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We received 303 emergency calls between the hours of 6pm, 11th July and 2am, 12th July. This resulted in firefighters attending 151 operational incidents – 54 of these were bonfire-related.

Between 6 p.m. on July 11 and 2 a.m. on July 12, firefighters attended 151 operational incidents. Of these, 54 were directly related to bonfires. In Belfast, flames from a bonfire spread to a garage, causing a significant fire. In another incident in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, firefighters had to withdraw from a bonfire due to a hostile crowd.

Area commander Dermot Rooney detailed other significant incidents, including a fire in Greenisland that destroyed two homes and damaged two others, affecting a row of terraced houses, two oil tanks, and a shed. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation. Firefighters also responded to accidental house fires and an articulated lorry fire elsewhere.

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On Milner Street, Belfast, firefighters dealt with a garage fire following fire spread from a bonfire. In an isolated incident, firefighters withdrew from a bonfire in the Cookstown area as a result of a hostile crowd.

Rooney thanked the NIFRS staff for their efforts and stated the service is prepared for further bonfires planned throughout the bank holiday weekend. He urged the public to prioritize safety and make responsible choices, especially given the warm, dry weather, and to follow countryside fire safety advice.

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With further bonfires planned, we are prepared and ready to respond to all types of emergencies. We would encourage everyone to stay safe and make responsible choices throughout the remainder of the bank holiday weekend.