Cliff Notes – Firefighters face challenging conditions
- Firefighters in Northern Ireland dealt with a 154% increase in emergency calls due to multiple bonfires, including one with asbestos, ahead of the 12 July celebrations.
- Environment Minister Andrew Muir expressed disappointment over a bonfire lit despite warnings at a site containing asbestos, which poses serious health risks.
- Political and community tensions were highlighted as controversial effigies were burned at bonfires, with significant police presence planned for parades linked to the celebrations.
Eleventh night bonfire lit on asbestos site criticised – as firefighters face challenging conditions | UK News
Firefighters in Northern Ireland faced a “challenging” night as multiple bonfires were lit ahead of 12 July celebrations, including at one site that contains asbestos.
Bonfires at an estimated 300 locations across the region were lit on Thursday and Friday night ahead of the Orange Order’s 12 July parades on Saturday.
“During this period, the number of emergency calls received increased by 154% when compared to 2024.
“It was a challenging and extremely busy night for NIFRS with an increase in demand for our regional control centre and emergency response.”
Bonfire lighting at asbestos sight ‘very disappointing’
One bonfire in particular, at Meridi Street, off the Donegall Road in south Belfast, was lit despite warnings, political rows and legal challenges throughout the week.
Stormont Environment Minister Andrew Muir urged earlier on Friday that the bonfire at the site, which contains asbestos and is close to an electricity sub-station, which powers two major hospitals in the city, not be lit.
However, it was lit as planned late on Friday to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne where the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II.
Mr Muir said on Saturday morning he was “very disappointed” with the decision to go ahead and light the bonfire.
He said the government will be working with partners to assess the impact the particular bonfire had, and work with the landowner to remove the asbestos pile safely. An environmental crime investigation into the incident has also been launched, Mr Muir said.
“As I have already stated, a review must also be undertaken looking at lessons that can be learned involving all statutory partners,” Mr Muir said on Saturday.
Another bonfire nearby at Roden Street was topped with effigies of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap, as well as a sign written in the Irish language.
The blaze in Eastvale Avenue in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, featured the group on a poster with the wording “Kill Your Local Kneecap”, seemingly in response to a clip that emerged from a Kneecap concert in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
Criticism from political and church leaders
The group is known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise – and have been vocally opposed to Israel’s military action in Gaza.
There was also criticism from political and church leaders after an effigy of migrants in a boat was burned on a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone.
A number of loyal order parades are planned to take place later on Saturday. Around 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission, meaning it has the potential to cause tensions within the community or raise concern.
Locations where parades are expected this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy.
As a result, more than 4,000 police officers and staff will be working on Saturday night.