NIFRS reports 154% spike in 999 calls on 11th July night

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) experienced a dramatic surge in demand during the night of 11th July 2025, responding to nearly 200 incidents, with a significant number related to bonfires.

Between 6pm on 11th July and 2am on 12th July, NIFRS received 277 emergency 999 calls, marking a 154% increase in call volume compared to the same period in 2024. Of these, 194 incidents required direct operational response, 72 of which were bonfire-related. Peak activity occurred between 10pm and 1am.

Area Commander Andy Burns described the night as “challenging and extremely busy,” praising the resilience and professionalism of emergency crews.

“It was a challenging and extremely busy night for NIFRS with an increase in demand for our Regional Control Centre and emergency response,” he said.

“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.”

However, the evening was marred by an assault on a firefighter in Lisburn while attending a bonfire. The firefighter was not injured and continued on duty.

“This was an isolated incident and not reflective of the support shown to Firefighters in carrying out their duties across the evening,” Burns added.

In addition to bonfire incidents, NIFRS crews dealt with a range of emergencies:

• A wildfire at Bloody Bridge, Newcastle, involving five fire appliances.

• A three-vehicle road traffic collision in Rathfriland, with 10 casualties.

• A shed fire in Castlederg.

With high temperatures and dry weather forecast over the bank holiday weekend, NIFRS anticipates continued pressure on services.

“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,” Burns urged.

Public urged to remain vigilant

As the summer heat persists, NIFRS is calling on the public to take extra care, especially in rural areas where the risk of wildfires is heightened.