Fire safety message delivered to Ahoghill bonfire builders as community engagement praised

Bannside Alderman Stewart McDonald with NIFRS Ballymena Station Commander Alan Barr during a visit to Ahoghill bonfire site

Young people involved in building Ahoghill’s annual bonfire have received a direct fire safety briefing from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), in a move aimed at reducing risks ahead of the summer bonfire season.

TUV Bannside Alderman Stewart McDonald welcomed NIFRS Ballymena Station Commander Alan Barr to the village bonfire site this week, where he met local young people involved in the construction of the bonfire and delivered important safety advice.

The visit comes as communities across Northern Ireland prepare for the traditional July bonfire period, a time when fire crews routinely deal with incidents ranging from uncontrolled fires and property damage to injuries caused by dangerous materials placed on bonfires.

Fire service engages directly with local young people

Alderman McDonald said he was pleased to see positive engagement between the Fire Service and those involved in the local bonfire project.

He said:

“Last night I was pleased to welcome Station Commander Alan Barr to the bonfire site at Ahoghill.

“He met the young lads at the site where he gave a valuable talk on fire safety.

“All too often officialdom looks down its nose at the working class, particularly the loyalist working class. That was not the case last night where there was positive and constructive engagement between Station Commander Barr and local people.

“I’d like to thank him for taking the time to meet with the lads and myself and would encourage the Fire Service to keep up their good work of keeping us all safe.”

The engagement focused on practical safety measures designed to reduce the risks associated with bonfires and to help ensure those attending community events remain safe.

NIFRS warns that no bonfire is completely safe

NIFRS stresses that all bonfires carry inherent risks and that there is no such thing as a completely safe bonfire.

The Fire Service also makes clear that it has no enforcement powers regarding the size or location of bonfires and does not carry out risk assessments of bonfire sites.

Responsibility ultimately rests with the landowner on whose land the bonfire is constructed.

To help minimise risks, NIFRS advises organisers and landowners to consider a number of important safety measures:

• Inform and consult neighbouring residents before holding a bonfire.

• Avoid using dangerous materials including tyres, plastics, aerosols, cylinders and canisters.

• Be aware that damp materials can generate excessive smoke.

• Build bonfires in open spaces away from buildings, oil tanks, trees and other structures that could be affected by heat or fire spread.

• Never use petrol, paraffin or other accelerants to ignite a bonfire.

• Ensure bonfires are supervised at all times.

• Consider weather conditions, particularly strong winds that may carry embers significant distances.

• Maintain strict safety cordons to protect spectators in the event of a collapse or sudden fire spread.

Advice for anyone attending a bonfire

NIFRS is also urging members of the public attending bonfires this summer to take simple precautions to protect themselves and others.

Those attending are advised to:

• Keep a safe distance from the fire at all times.

• Follow cordons and any safety instructions in place.

• Supervise children closely.

• Keep pets and animals away from bonfire sites.

• Remain alert to changing conditions and potential hazards.

The Fire Service says that if anyone has concerns about a dangerous situation or an emergency develops, they should dial 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service immediately.

NIFRS also emphasised that when crews are called to a bonfire-related incident, it is because a member of the local community has identified a concern and requires assistance.

With bonfire construction already underway in some areas, fire safety officials are encouraging organisers, participants and spectators alike to put safety first in the weeks ahead to help prevent avoidable injuries, damage and emergency incidents.