Latest news with #NorthernIrelandFire&RescueService
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Sunday World
Cops probe arson attack targeting Belfast home of loyalist ‘Pipe Bomb Pastor'
Clifford Peeples was jailed for possession of explosives with intent to endanger life in 2001. Petrol bomb attack at a property in the Forthriver Road area on the 25th July 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) Petrol bomb attack at a property in the Forthriver Road area on the 25th July 2025 (Belfast Telegraph) The house belonging to a self-styled loyalist pastor has been targeted in an over night arson attack involving a petrol bomb. The property targeted in the Forthriver Road area of Glencairn belongs to Clifford Peeples, who was jailed for possession of explosives with intent to endanger life in 2001. At the time a pipe-bomb and two hand grenades were found in a car he was travelling in. He went on to lead a Shankill Road church but now describes himself as a writer and political commentator. Clifford Peeples Police and firefighters responded to the attack at the property which took place shortly before 3am. The PSNI confirmed one person was in the property at the time of the incident but no serious injuries were reported. Two fire appliances attended the incident with police remaining at the scene this morning. Detective Sergeant McCallum said: 'At around 3:00am this morning, Friday, 25th July, police received a report that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a property in the Forthriver Road area of the town. . News in 90 Seconds - July 25th 'Officers attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who made the area safe. "It appeared that the petrol bomb had been thrown through the living room window causing damage inside. 'One person was present in the property, fortunately no serious injuries have been reported at this time." DS McCallum continued: "We are treating this attack as arson with intent to endanger life. 'Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation, particularly anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other relevant footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 141 of 25/07/25." NIFRS has been contacted for comment.
Irish Post
13-07-2025
- 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
The Journal
12-07-2025
- The Journal
Kneecap effigy placed on Belfast bonfire ahead of Orange Order parades
FIREFIGHTERS IN NORTHERN Ireland said they dealt with a challenging night as bonfires were lit ahead of the 12 July celebrations. An effigy of the West Belfast rap trio Kneecap was placed atop one bonfire in the city, in a move likely to spark condemnation after a similar effigy of asylum seekers in a boat was set alight earlier this week in Moygashel, Co Tyrone. Tens of thousands will take to the streets across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades today. The events will be spread across 19 main locations 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. It comes after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. It was a challenging & extremely busy night for NIFRS. Between 6pm & 2am, we received 277 emergency calls. This resulted in our Firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of these incidents were bonfire related. Read our full statement: — Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) July 12, 2025 But the most contentious bonfire was located on a site containing asbestos and close to an electricity sub station off the Donegall Road in south Belfast. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with 72 bonfire related incidents across the evening. One firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Kneecap Graffiti is burned on a Bonfire at Roden Street in Belfast. Niall Carson / PA Niall Carson / PA / PA NIFRS area commander Andy Burns said: 'Between 6pm 11 July and 2am 12 July 2025, we received 277 emergency 999 calls. 'This resulted in our firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of which were bonfire related. Peak activity was between 10pm and 1am. Advertisement '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.' The spokesperson 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.' Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, around 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff will be working on 12 July. On the 11th night, around 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million (€1.7 million) on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is due to falling police numbers and the resultant increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Tomorrow morning, an Orange Order parade has been permitted to pass Ardoyne shops in north Belfast restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. It is a return parade at a former flashpoint which traditionally took place on the evening of July 12 often resulting in violent scenes.
The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Firefighters deal with ‘challenging night' ahead of July 12 Orange Order parades
The festivities will be spread across 19 main locations 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. It comes after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. While most of the bonfires passed off peacefully, there was condemnation after effigies of migrants in a boat were burned on a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone. Pictures of the Irish rap band Kneecap and Irish flags were also burned on other pyres. It was a challenging & extremely busy night for NIFRS. Between 6pm & 2am, we received 277 emergency calls. This resulted in our Firefighters attending 194 operational incidents, 72 of these incidents were bonfire related. Read our full statement: — Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) July 12, 2025 But the most contentious bonfire was located on a site containing asbestos and close to an electricity sub station off the Donegall Road in south Belfast. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with 72 bonfire related incidents across the evening. One firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. NIFRS area commander Andy Burns said: 'Between 6pm 11 July and 2am 12 July 2025, we received 277 emergency 999 calls. '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.' The spokesperson 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.' Effigies of controversial Irish rappers Kneecap placed on a bonfire on Roden Street in Belfast (Niall Carson/PA) Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, around 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff will be working on July 12. On the 11th night, around 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is due to falling police numbers and the resultant increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has urged mutual respect in the marking of events. He said: 'Our officers will be on the ground throughout the weekend, working in partnership with community leaders, event organisers, and local representatives to support lawful, peaceful, and family-friendly events. However where necessary, we will take firm and proportionate action to keep people safe. 'Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone.' On Sunday morning, an Orange Order parade has been permitted to pass Ardoyne shops in north Belfast restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. It is a return parade at a former flashpoint which traditionally took place on the evening of July 12 often resulting in violent scenes. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James.
Belfast Telegraph
22-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Cars set alight in arson attack in Co Antrim village
Two cars were set alight and a nearby property and garage were damaged in the incident near Aghalee in the early hours of Sunday morning. It happened at the Beechfield Manor area of Aghalee overnight. Detective Sergeant Westbury said: 'Sometime between 1.20am and shortly after 1.50am, it was reported that two vehicles had been set alight outside a property in the area. "The vehicles were completely destroyed, with damage also reported to a nearby property and garage following the incident. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the fire. 'Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the incident is being treated as deliberate ignition. Red Arrows in Newtownards for Armed Forces Day 'Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and would appeal to anyone with any information to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 149 22/06/25.'
