Northern Ireland Fire Service handles 303 emergency calls on Eleventh Night, with 54 bonfire-related incidents and homes destroyed in Greenisland
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service received 303 emergency calls during Eleventh Night bonfire celebrations, attending 151 incidents including a hostile crowd forcing withdrawal in Cookstown and a row of terraced houses destroyed in Greenisland.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) faced a demanding Eleventh Night as traditional bonfires were lit across unionist areas, resulting in a high volume of emergency calls and multiple serious incidents.
Incident overview
Between 6pm on 11 July and 2am on 12 July, the service received 303 emergency calls. This led to firefighters attending 151 operational incidents, of which 54 were directly related to bonfires. The activity was described as consistently high throughout the night.
We received 303 emergency calls between the hours of 6pm, 11th July and 2am, 12th July
Notable fires and safety threats
In Greenisland, close to Carrickfergus in Co Antrim, a row of terraced houses caught fire, along with two oil tanks and a shed. Two homes were completely destroyed, and two others sustained damage. The cause remains under investigation. On Milner Street in Belfast, flames from a bonfire spread to a garage, prompting a firefighting response. In Cookstown, Co Tyrone, crews withdrew from a bonfire due to a hostile crowd, an isolated incident noted by officials.
Other emergencies
Firefighters also responded to accidental house fires in Antrim and Coleraine, and an articulated lorry fire in Newry. These added to the overall demand during the peak period. The total of 151 incidents underscores the operational strain.
Operational activity was consistently high across the 11th night with an increase in demand for emergency response.
Response and outlook
Dermot Rooney, NIFRS Area Commander, thanked personnel for ensuring effective emergency response and noted preparation for further planned bonfires. He urged responsible choices during the remaining bank holiday weekend, citing ongoing warm, dry weather that increases countryside fire risks.
With warm, dry weather continuing, we also ask anyone spending time outdoors to follow our countryside fire safety advice.
