8 July 2019
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging anyone attending bonfires to follow fire safety advice and act responsibly to stay safe.
Last 11th July night, Firefighters attended 57 bonfire related incidents between the hours of 6pm and 1am – 1 more than 2017. This was the highest number bonfire related calls on the 11th night for the past 3 years.
Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Director Service Delivery explains:
“The 11th July has the potential to be one of our busiest nights of the year. We are urging those who build bonfires and community representatives to listen to our safety advice to minimise the risks to ensure people remain safe.
“Bonfires should be kept at a manageable size and sited in a clear, open space and a safe distance from buildings and overhead cables. A bonfire should be a minimum distance of five times its height from property. It should not contain any potentially hazardous materials or tyres which release toxic fumes as these are harmful to the environment and can also contribute towards health conditions for those attending or living close to the bonfire.
“The safety of the public and our Firefighters is top priority and we have been working closely and proactively with local communities, statutory agencies and elected representatives in an effort to reduce the number of bonfire related incidents to help ensure public safety.
“We are asking those building and attending bonfires to think safety first. Our safety advice, if adhered to, will help to reduce the potential risks to communities, properties and the environment.
“We want to remind the public that we do not have enforcement power in relation to the size and location of bonfires – the ultimate responsibility, including any risk assessment, lies with the landowner on which the bonfire is built. We do not risk assess bonfires. There is no such thing as a completely safe bonfire. Bonfires can pose a very real risk to public safety and property.
“Firefighters will be attending bonfire incidents on the 11th night to protect life and property from the dangers of fire. I’m appealing to the local community for their support to ensure that Firefighters are able to carry out their job without fear of attack or potential harassment.
“Last year, we received a total of 327 emergency calls on the 11th night, between 6pm and 1am and our crews were mobilised to 164 operational incidents. In addition to the 57 bonfire related incidents, Firefighters attended a range of emergency incidents including house fires and other specialist service calls. It was an exceptionally busy time for our Regional Control Centre personnel who handled emergency 999 calls every 48 seconds between 10pm and midnight.
“I would like to reassure the community that our well-rehearsed contingency plans are in place and our Command Room will be operational to ensure that we maintain emergency cover across Northern Ireland.”