Latest news with #AndyBurns
Irish Post
4 days ago
- Irish Post
Firefighter attacked as service called to 72 bonfire incidents during 'challenging' Eleventh Night
A FIREFIGHTER was attacked during a 'challenging' evening for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) as it dealt with 72 bonfire-related incidents over the Eleventh Night. Area Commander Andy Burns described the attack as an isolated incident, adding that most people supported the service through the evening. However, he said that during a three-hour period, the number of emergency calls received by the service was up by 154 per cent on the same time last year. "It was a challenging and extremely busy night for NIFRS with an increase in demand for our Regional Control Centre and emergency response," said Mr Burns. Bonfire incidents Bonfires are traditionally lit every year in unionist areas of Northern Ireland on the night before the Twelfth of July, which marks the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II. During the eight-hour period between 6pm on July 11 and 2am on July 12, the fire service received 277 emergency 999 calls. This resulted in firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire-related, with peak activity occurring between 10pm and 1am. "During this period, the number of emergency calls received increased by 154 per cent when compared to 2024," said Mr Burns. He added: "I would like to thank our firefighters, Regional Control Centre personnel and support employees involved in the operational response tonight. "Despite the period of increased demand to bonfire-related incidents, we worked hard to ensure emergency response across Northern Ireland was maintained. "Disappointingly, a firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty. "This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening." Wildfires and collisions In addition to bonfire-related incidents, firefighters also had to contend with a range of emergency calls throughout Thursday evening. These included a number of wildfires, with five appliances despatched to the Bloody Bridge area of Newcastle and a three-vehicle road traffic collision with 10 casualties in Rathfriland, Co. Down. Due to the high temperatures and dry weather over the Bank Holiday weekend in the North, the NIFRS expects the period of heightened operational activity to continue over the coming days. "We are prepared and ready to respond and are encouraging everyone to stay vigilant to the risk of fire in the countryside and to follow our advice to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe,' said Mr Burns. See More: Bonfires, Eleventh Night, NIFRS, Twelfth Of July
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Man taken to hospital with severe burns after lighting Eleventh Night bonfire
Emergency services were called to the scene at a bonfire in the Lisnasharragh area of the city shortly after midnight on July 12. It is understood the injuries – described by one source as 'severe burns' – were sustained during the lighting of the Clonduff bonfire in the area. A NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) spokesperson said: 'The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 12.03am on Saturday July 12 following reports of an incident in the Lisnasharragh area of Belfast. "NIAS despatched a rapid response paramedic and an emergency crew to the incident. "Following assessment and treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital.' The PSNI has been approached for comment. The NI Fire and Rescue Service said they had not attended the bonfire site. Watch: Twelfth celebrations take place across Northern Ireland Earlier on Saturday, the fire service said Friday had been a 'challenging and extremely busy night'. In one incident in Lisburn, a firefighter was attacked at a bonfire, while over the course of the evening, 277 emergency 999 calls were received. "This resulted in our Firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am,' said Area Commander Andy Burns. "During this period, the number of emergency calls received increased by 154% when compared to 2024. "I would like to thank our Firefighters, Regional Control Centre personnel and support employees involved in the operational response tonight. "Despite the period of increased demand to bonfire related incidents, we worked hard to ensure emergency response across Northern Ireland was maintained. 'Disappointingly, a Firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty. "This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to Firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening.'
Sky News
5 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Eleventh night bonfire lit on asbestos site criticised - as firefighters face 'challenging' conditions
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. Most were lit peacefully, but the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with 72 bonfire-related incidents and received 277 emergency calls on Friday - known as the Eleventh night - and into Saturday morning. "This resulted in our firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am," NIFRS area commander Andy Burns said. "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. Why is asbestos dangerous? Asbestos is the name given to several naturally occurring minerals that have crystallised to form fibres. When materials or ground that contains asbestos is disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled it can cause serious diseases including cancer. When asbestos is set alight, visible fragments can be carried in the smoke plume and may be deposited on nearby properties, gardens and streets. Debris from a fire containing asbestos can also be dangerous to touch and or remove. 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." 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 of sensitive parades 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.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Muir ‘very disappointed' bonfire was lit despite warnings over asbestos
The bonfire at Meridi Street, off the Donegall Road, had been the focus of health warnings, political rows and legal challenges throughout the week before it was ignited on Friday. Meanwhile, firefighters said they dealt with a 'challenging' situation on the Eleventh Night across Northern Ireland, including an attack on a firefighter attending a bonfire in Lisburn. Hundreds of bonfires were set alight on Friday ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Saturday. Controversy had surrounded the Meridi Street pyre, after warnings that there was asbestos on the site and that it was close to an electricity substation which powers the city's two main hospitals. In a statement on Saturday, Mr Muir said: 'I am very disappointed with the decision to light the bonfire. 'Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) staff monitored events last night along with statutory partners throughout the night. 'We will be engaging with other statutory partners in the coming days as we all assess the impact of the bonfire. 'NIEA will also focus on the efforts by the landowner to remove the asbestos pile safely from the site in the time ahead and the environmental crime investigation will continue. 'As I have already stated, a review must also be undertaken looking at lessons that can be learned involving all statutory partners.' Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) area commander Andy Burns said they dealt with 277 emergency 999 calls between 6pm on Friday and 2am on Saturday. He said: 'This resulted in our firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. 'Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am. '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.' He added: 'Disappointingly, a firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty. 'This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening.' Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch said it was 'absolutely disgraceful that a firefighter was attacked while simply doing their job'. He added: 'Everyone should be able to celebrate their culture, but it must be done in a safe and respectful manner. 'Firefighters worked under difficult conditions last night to protect lives, property and infrastructure across the north. 'They deserve our full support and should never face violence for keeping our communities safe.' Meanwhile, effigies of the Irish rap group Kneecap topped a different bonfire in south Belfast, and there was condemnation of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on other pyres in loyalist neighbourhoods. A bonfire at Roden Street in Belfast was topped with effigies of Kneecap, as well as a sign written in the Irish language. A bonfire 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 gig in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' There was also criticism of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on a number of bonfires, including one in the Highfield area of west Belfast. A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including a controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which had been widely criticised by political representatives and church leaders after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat. The PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire. The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets. Below the boat were several placards, one saying: 'Stop the boats', and another saying: 'Veterans before refugees'.
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Muir ‘very disappointed' bonfire was lit despite warnings over asbestos
The bonfire at Meridi Street, off the Donegall Road, had been the focus of health warnings, political rows and legal challenges throughout the week before it was ignited on Friday. Meanwhile, firefighters said they dealt with a 'challenging' situation on the Eleventh Night across Northern Ireland, including an attack on a firefighter attending a bonfire in Lisburn. Hundreds of bonfires were set alight on Friday ahead of the Orange Order's July 12 parades on Saturday. Controversy had surrounded the Meridi Street pyre, after warnings that there was asbestos on the site and that it was close to an electricity substation which powers the city's two main hospitals. In a statement on Saturday, Mr Muir said: 'I am very disappointed with the decision to light the bonfire. 'Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) staff monitored events last night along with statutory partners throughout the night. 'We will be engaging with other statutory partners in the coming days as we all assess the impact of the bonfire. 'NIEA will also focus on the efforts by the landowner to remove the asbestos pile safely from the site in the time ahead and the environmental crime investigation will continue. 'As I have already stated, a review must also be undertaken looking at lessons that can be learned involving all statutory partners.' Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) area commander Andy Burns said they dealt with 277 emergency 999 calls between 6pm on Friday and 2am on Saturday. He said: 'This resulted in our firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. 'Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am. '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.' He added: 'Disappointingly, a firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn. They were not injured and remained on duty. 'This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening.' Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch said it was 'absolutely disgraceful that a firefighter was attacked while simply doing their job'. He added: 'Everyone should be able to celebrate their culture, but it must be done in a safe and respectful manner. 'Firefighters worked under difficult conditions last night to protect lives, property and infrastructure across the north. 'They deserve our full support and should never face violence for keeping our communities safe.' Meanwhile, effigies of the Irish rap group Kneecap topped a different bonfire in south Belfast, and there was condemnation of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on other pyres in loyalist neighbourhoods. A bonfire at Roden Street in Belfast was topped with effigies of Kneecap, as well as a sign written in the Irish language. A bonfire 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 gig in 2023, which appeared to show a member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' There was also criticism of the placing of Irish flags and sectarian slogans on a number of bonfires, including one in the Highfield area of west Belfast. A small number of bonfires were lit on Thursday night, including a controversial pyre in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, which had been widely criticised by political representatives and church leaders after it was topped with an effigy of migrants in a boat. The PSNI said they were investigating a hate incident in relation to the fire. The boat on top of the bonfire contained more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets. Below the boat were several placards, one saying: 'Stop the boats', and another saying: 'Veterans before refugees'.
