Safety warning for eleventh night

Advice has been issued about bonfires

Revellers at traditional eleventh night bonfires have been urged to keep safety in mind on Monday evening.

The warning has come from the Fire and Rescue Service as it gears up for one of the busiest nights of the year.

Hundreds of bonfires are expected to be lit across Northern Ireland and people are urged to keep a safe distance and keep the fires at a reasonable height.

The service has pointed out that crews will be there to help and not to stop any enjoyment of the night.

A spokesman said: "Even though hundreds of bonfires are lit and enjoyed in safety by many people across Northern Ireland, every year bonfires do get out of control and require the assistance.

"The Fire and Rescue Service would also remind the public that firefighters, who may be requested to attend a bonfire, are there to protect life and property; they are not there to spoil anyone's fun and enjoyment."

The service said bonfires should be sited well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs.

It said the distance from the bonfire to the nearest property should be five times the height of the bonfire, and it should be built so that it is stable and will not collapse.

The service also warned that huts and dens should never be built inside the bonfire nor should foam-filled furniture, tyres, aerosols, tins of paint or bottles be burned.

Responsible adults should look after lighting the bonfire, it said, and should check that no children or pets are hiding inside before the bonfire is lit.

It has also warned:

Never use flammable liquids (petrol or paraffin) to light the fire - use domestic firelighters.

Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children who must be supervised at all times.

For an emergency keep buckets of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.

The traditional bonfires are lit on the eve of 12 July parades which commemorate Protestant Prince William of Orange's 1690 Battle of the Boyne victory over Catholic King James II.