Northern Ireland

Hot weather 'increases risk of bonfires spreading'

An eleventh night bonfire in full blaze in east Belfast
An eleventh night bonfire in full blaze in east Belfast An eleventh night bonfire in full blaze in east Belfast

THE spell of hot weather has increased the risk of eleventh night bonfires spreading to nearby homes, the Fire Service has warned.

The service said embers can easily be carried to homes and set fire to dry grass.

Alan Walmsley, assistant chief fire and rescue officer, said the service's priority was keeping people safe.

“Bonfires should be kept at a manageable size and sited in a clear, open space a safe distance from buildings and overhead cables," he said. 

"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. These are harmful to the environment and also cause hazardous health conditions for those attending or living close to the bonfire.

“The exceptionally hot weather over recent weeks has increased the potential risk of fire spread from bonfires as embers can easily be carried, depending on wind speed and direction, to surrounding properties and vegetation."

He said the Fire Service is working with communities and politicians to help ensure public safety.

“We are asking bonfire builders to think fire safety first at bonfires," he said.

"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 lies with the landowner on which the bonfire is built."

Last year was the busiest eleventh night for firefighters in five years, with crews attending 56 calls compared to 35 in 2016. 

Mr Walmsley said firefighters were already under pressure this year due to large numbers of gorse fires.

"Our firefighters have been working in the most hazardous and challenging conditions so we are urging bonfire builders to act responsibly to minimise the risks to ensure people remain safe," he said.

He added: "Firefighters will be attending bonfire incidents on the eleventh 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 harassment."