Fire crews stretched across Northern Ireland as 62 incidents erupt during night of disorder

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service faced an intense night of emergency callouts on Tuesday as crews responded to dozens of incidents linked to escalating disorder across the Greater Belfast area, with additional appliances drafted in from across Northern Ireland to cope with demand.

In an operational update issued shortly after midnight, NIFRS revealed its Regional Control Centre handled 256 calls between 7pm and midnight alone, resulting in attendance at 62 separate incidents.

The scale of the pressure on emergency services emerged as protests and unrest spread across parts of Belfast, with attacks reported on homes, vehicles, businesses and public transport infrastructure.

NIFRS confirmed the majority of incidents occurred in Greater Belfast, where an extra 21 fire appliances had to be deployed from other areas of Northern Ireland to maintain emergency response capability.

The fire service said:

“Between 7.00pm and midnight our Regional Control Centre have managed 256 calls resulting in attendance at 62 incidents.

“The majority of these incidents were in the Greater Belfast Area where an additional 21 fire appliances from across Northern Ireland were required to meet demand.

“We would like to recognise our personnel for their professionalism during a challenging period, and extend our appreciation to the community for their support in assisting our response.”

Glider bus hijacked and set on fire amid escalating unrest

The disorder unfolded hours after political leaders and police appealed for calm following Monday night’s serious attack in north Belfast.

By Tuesday evening, scenes across parts of Belfast had deteriorated sharply, with reports of burning vehicles, attacks on property and major disruption to transport infrastructure.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins condemned what she described as “violent attacks on public infrastructure”, warning that essential services relied upon by local communities had been deliberately targeted.

She said:

“Attacking homes, burning family cars, attacking businesses, and damaging our public transport and our roads is totally unacceptable and it must be called out by all political leaders.

“Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur, and it is clear that this attack is being used to spread fear, hatred and division.”

The minister also confirmed a Glider bus had been hijacked and set alight during the disorder.

“My thoughts are with the driver and passenger in the Glider that was hijacked and set alight. Thankfully, I’m told both are okay, but it must have been a very frightening experience for them,” she said.

Kimmins warned that attacks on transport infrastructure ultimately punish ordinary communities by removing vital public services from areas that depend on them.

She also praised Translink staff who had continued operating services before disruption forced suspensions.

Naomi Long warns ‘hate cannot be allowed to win’

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the violence was diverting police resources away from people who genuinely needed assistance.

Speaking after earlier appeals for calm alongside the First Minister, deputy First Minister and PSNI Chief Constable, Long said those involved in the unrest were “intent on wreaking destruction on the very communities they claim they are trying to protect.”

She said:

“There is no place for masked thugs to take to the streets and threaten, intimidate, disrupt and cause wanton damage.”

Long added that individuals involved were “weaponising the genuine hurt, concern and anger that people are feeling for their own misguided purposes.”

“Disorder on the streets, such as we are seeing tonight, is diverting valuable police resources away from those who genuinely need them,” she said.

“While I recognise and understand the concerns following on from the attack in north Belfast, hate cannot be allowed to win.”

Emergency services face mounting pressure

The operational update from NIFRS underlined the significant strain placed on emergency responders as incidents escalated across Belfast during the evening.

The deployment of additional fire appliances from elsewhere in Northern Ireland highlighted how quickly resources were being stretched, with crews required to respond simultaneously to multiple fires and public safety incidents.

The unrest also created major disruption for residents, commuters and businesses across affected areas, with transport services impacted and roads affected as emergency services worked to regain control of multiple flashpoints.

Further updates from police, emergency services and Stormont ministers are expected later today as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and disruption caused during Tuesday night’s unrest.