Emergency Services Respond to Over 300 Calls During Eleventh Night Celebrations
Fire service deals with 303 emergency – Firefighters across Northern Ireland faced one of the most demanding evenings of the year as traditional Eleventh Night bonfires were ignited throughout the region. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported receiving 303 emergency calls during the critical period spanning from 6pm on July 11 through to 2am on July 12, 2026.
Area Commander Dermot Rooney provided detailed statistics about the evening’s activity, noting that operational demands remained consistently high from Saturday night well into Sunday morning. The service dispatched firefighters to a total of 151 separate incidents, with bonfire-related emergencies accounting for 54 of those responses.
Notable Incidents Across the Region
Among the most significant events occurred in Belfast, where flames from a nearby bonfire spread to a garage, requiring firefighters to tackle the blaze. In a more dramatic situation in Cookstown, County Tyrone, emergency crews were forced to withdraw from a bonfire site after encountering a hostile crowd that made the area unsafe for operations.
Another major incident unfolded in Greenisland, near Carrickfergus in County Antrim, where firefighters battled a fire that engulfed a row of terraced houses. The blaze also affected two oil tanks and a shed in the vicinity. Commander Rooney confirmed that two homes suffered complete destruction, while additional damage was sustained by two neighboring properties. The exact cause of this particular fire remains under investigation.
“We received 303 emergency calls between the hours of 6pm 11 July and 2am 12 July 2026. This resulted in firefighters attending 151 operational incidents – 54 of these were bonfire-related.”
Additional calls required firefighter responses to various emergencies throughout the night. These included accidental house fires in both Antrim and Coleraine, as well as a fire involving an articulated lorry in Newry. Commander Rooney expressed his gratitude to all personnel involved, including firefighters, regional control centre staff, and support employees who contributed to the successful emergency response.
Looking Ahead to Twelfth Day Celebrations
With more bonfires scheduled for Sunday evening, the fire service emphasized their readiness to handle any further emergencies. The traditional bonfires are lit in preparation for the Orange Order’s July 12 parades that take place across Northern Ireland on Monday. These parades commemorate the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, a historic victory in which Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James.
“With further bonfires planned, we are prepared and ready to respond to all types of emergencies. We would encourage everyone to stay safe and make responsible choices throughout the remainder of the bank holiday weekend.”
While the majority of Eleventh Night bonfires proceed without major issues, several have drawn attention for controversial elements placed on the structures before ignition. These include flags, effigies, and election posters. One particularly notable case involved a bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, which featured a replica mosque positioned on top. This bonfire was lit a day earlier than usual, on Thursday night, ahead of a scheduled police operation to remove the effigy.
Tragically, a man lost his life in Belfast after falling from a bonfire in the Braniel estate. The incident occurred on Friday, with the death confirmed on Saturday. The fire service also took the opportunity to remind the public about countryside fire safety advice, particularly given the warm, dry weather conditions expected to continue.
“With warm, dry weather continuing, we also ask anyone spending time outdoors to follow our countryside fire safety advice.”
The evening’s events highlighted both the communal spirit of the celebrations and the challenges faced by emergency services during this busy period of the year. As the region moves toward the Twelfth Day celebrations, all eyes remain on ensuring safety while honoring tradition.
