Warning ahead of bonfire night
Fire chief appeals to community reps to adhere to safety advice
Last updated 10th Jul 2018
Firefighters are warning that the current weather conditions could make the traditional 11th bonfire night increasingly difficult.
Hundreds of bonfires across Northern Ireland will be lit tomorrow and the NI Fire and Rescue Service is urging local community representatives to heed vital safety advice.
Alan Walmsley, assistant chief and fire rescue officer, said: ““Our main priority is to keep people safe from the dangers of fire and so we appeal directly to bonfire builders and community representatives to listen to our advice.
“Bonfires should be kept at a manageable size and sited in a clear, open space 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. 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.
““The safety of the public and Firefighters attending bonfires is our 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 and to help ensure public safety. “
Mr Walmsley said adhering to safety advice would help “reduce the potential risks to communities, properties and the environment.”
Last year saw the highest number of bonfire-related incidents across the province in five years.
Fire officers tackled 56 incidents – 21 more than the previous year.
“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,” Mr Walmsley added.
“The 11th July is one of our busiest nights of the year - and it is no secret that we have already experienced a significant increase in operational activities due to the hot weather and large number 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.
“Our well-rehearsed contingency plans are in place and our Command Room is operational to ensure that we maintain emergency cover across Northern Ireland. In addition to attending bonfire related incidents we also need to ensure our normal service delivery to incidents such as house fires and road traffic collisions is maintained right across Northern Ireland.
“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 harassment.”
Meanwhile, builders in east Belfast have been urged to reduce the size of a pyre.
The Bloomfield Walkway bonfire caused controversy in recent years due to its proximity to houses.
In 2015 more than 50 homes in the area were boarded up to protect them from the bonfire.
This year the site has been moved away from properties.
Bonfire Safety Advice:
• Site the bonfire well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs
• Bonfires should be kept to a manageable size
• As a guide, allow a ratio of 1:5. The bonfire should be a minimum of 5 times the height from property e.g. if the bonfire is 10 metres tall, it should be at least 50 metres from the nearest property.
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse
• Never build a hut or a den inside a bonfire
• Do not burn foam-filled furniture, tyres, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles
• Responsible adults should look after lighting the bonfire. Before lighting the fire, check that no children or pets are hiding inside it
• Never use flammable liquids (petrol or paraffin) to light the fire – use domestic firelighters
• Keep everyone away from the fire – especially children who must be supervised at all times
• For an emergency keep buckets of water or a fire extinguisher ready
• At any sign of danger or in the event of an emergency ring Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service on 999 for assistance.
Pictured are the preparations for Belfast's Sandy Row bonfire.