The problem is that the bonfires are getting bigger and bigger because of rivalry between the bonfire-builders, and there is increasing worry that they're too dangerous and their size ought to be limited so nobody gets hurt.
Last year John Steele died after falling from a bonfire stack at Larne*, and local councillors were told six months ago that "they cannot simply ignore the activity and do nothing." Despite the warning, an even taller bonfire stack has now been built in Larne.
It's so high (over 200 feet) that the builders hope to get it into the Guinness Book of Records. They needed elaborate scaffolding to enable them to build it.
It's not the first time bonfires have caused a problem. In 2016 two terraced houses were destroyed and another damaged close to a bonfire in Belfast. It was thought the fire was caused by burning embers blown through the air.
In 2021 a teenager suffered serious injuries after being engulfed in a fireball at a bonfire in north Belfast. He was treated in hospital for burns to his face and body.
There is regular discussion by politicians about bringing in stricter regulations on bonfires, including a maximum height, but nothing much happens for fear of a violent reaction among the bonfire builders and their supporters.
Sooner or later there will surely be another tragedy, followed by more fruitless political discussions.
Update, June 11: The bonfire builders have abandoned their world record attempt and will use the funds raised to support a young girl undergoing cancer treatment.
Pic: The absurdly high bonfire stack at Larne, close to several houses.
*Larne is on the east coast of Northern Ireland, north of Belfast Lough
What in the world? It’s literally in people’s backyard! I’ve never seen anything like that.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: I know, it's crazy, isn't it? But nobody wants to take any tough action to limit their size.
DeleteIt's all rather phallic isn't it?
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
www: They are, aren't they? But whether they're consciously aware of that, I don't know.
DeleteThese things clearly are dangerous. 200 feet high is absurd, and two destroyed houses plus one person seriously injured should have been a sufficient sign that regulation is needed. If the authorities aren't doing anything because they're frightened of the bonfirers turning violent, then this is essentially terrorism, and they've surrendered to chaos.
ReplyDeleteInfidel: We expect our local councillors to take the appropriate action. If they don't, what are we paying them for?
DeleteThat's a bonfire stack?!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery strange!
ReplyDeleteColette: Politicians and councils are terrified of the bonfire builders and unable to control them.
DeleteThe homeowners should find a way to prevent the building so close.
ReplyDeleteJoanne: The houses are probably owned by the Housing Executive so HE should be taking action.
DeleteIdiocy, on many levels. There is no safe place to do that!
ReplyDeleteSx
Ms Scarlet: No safe place at all. There should obviously be a maximum height for bonfires.
DeleteIt's madness. I assisted once in the nineties to an Easter bonfire in Northern Germany ( a very old Easter tradition) and was horrified by all the sparks flying around. The one you show on your pic seems just to be completely irresponsible and it's incredible that no official authority takes measures.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: Some houses have to be continually sprayed with water to minimise the fire risk. Unbelievable.
DeleteOh wow, that's crazy.
ReplyDeleteMary: It's bonkers. But the politicians, the housing executive and the police are all blaming each other for the inaction.
DeleteWow, Nick, that is some bonfire pyre and as you said so close to homes. Do keep us posted on that one. Good to read that the bonfire builders abandoned their quest for the largest and instead used the finds for a much better cause.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know that you also played the game of quoits as I was surprised to read mixed comments from those who were not familiar with the game. As for your question about hula hoops, yes they were quite the fad in the U.S. as well and I had one too.
Beatrice: I will certainly provide updates. But I doubt if the local council (who own the land the bonfire stack is on) will do anything to prevent the bonfire.
DeleteBon fires and fire crackers were both features of the Monarch's Birthday long weekend when I was a child but both have been banned for decades. They were banned in separate pieces of legislation and bon fires have gone the way of the dodo but fireworks are seen daily in the night sky over the suburbs. I wish they'd crack down, kids are blowing eyes out and fingers off all over again.
ReplyDeleteBelfast needs to get tougher and think of some clever alternatives
Kylie: Glad to know bonfires have been banned for a long time, but as you say fireworks can also cause serious injuries and should also be a thing of the past.
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