Bonfire tyre appeal from Fire Service

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging people to act responsibly and to stay safe when building or attending bonfires.

Last year, Firefighters attended 24 bonfire related incidents on the 11th night (6pm 11 July to 8am 12 July), which is 27 less bonfire related incidents attended on the same night in 2014.

NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alan Walmsley said: “I must commend the continued engagement at local level between community leaders and NIFRS personnel.

“Our advice is that bonfires should be kept at a manageable size and sited in a clear, open space at a safe distance from buildings and overhead cables.

“We would appeal to the bonfire builders and community representatives to stop using tyres. The burning of tyres releases toxic fumes, which are harmful to the environment and also cause hazardous health conditions for those attending or living close by.”