Homes Damaged After Blaze From Shankill Bonfire Spreads

A number of homes have been destroyed after they caught fire during an Eleventh night bonfire in the Shankill Road area in Belfast.

Three homes were damaged after a blaze broke out on the roofs of homes in the Hopewell Square area at around 1am on Tuesday, 12 July.

The Northern Ireland Fire Service attended the scene and two properties were gutted as a result of the blaze.

No injuries were reported.

Alliance Housing Spokesperson Naomi Long said the destruction of homes is a tragedy for families.

She said: "When homes are being destroyed it's clear Eleventh night bonfires can't continue as they are currently.

"My thoughts are with those who have seen their homes, along with all their possessions, destroyed in a manner which could have been avoided. It is clear that the situation could have been a lot worse and I commend the fire service for getting it under control so quickly.

"I recognise and respect that bonfires are an important part of the Twelfth celebrations, but there needs to be a serious review of how these fires are managed given the threat they pose to property and to life.

"Last year we had residents in Chobham Street evacuated. Then, in the run up to this year's bonfire night, we saw an increase in reports of tyres being stockpiled and, in East Belfast, play park equipment had to be removed and a number of homes boarded up to protect them from damage. Sadly, the overnight scenes that unfolded in the Shankill and the destruction of homes has demonstrated just how untenable the current situation is.

"Real progress has been made in some areas, with the use of beacons and a focus on community based celebrations. We now need to build on that progress, and directly tackle those areas where the sheer scale of the fires and proximity to property makes them inherently dangerous."

(CD/JP)