Fire which destroyed homes ‘likely caused by embers from nearby bonfire’
A fire in Greenisland, Northern Ireland, which destroyed two homes and damaged others, was likely caused by embers from a nearby bonfire. Emergency services responded to the scene, and the incident is currently being treated as accidental.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks associated with bonfires in residential areas and the impact on local communities.
A blaze which destroyed two houses in Co Antrim was most likely caused by embers from a nearby bonfire, the fire service has said.
The incident in Greenisland, near Carrickfergus, also saw two other terraced properties damaged in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) Area Commander Dermot Rooney said: "In Greenisland, Carrickfergus, firefighters dealt with a row of terraced houses on fire, along with two oil tanks and a shed.
"Two homes were completely destroyed with damage caused to a further two properties.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation."
Providing an update, a NIFRS spokesperson said firefighters had responded to a number of calls about the incident.
The spokesperson said: "At the height of the incident the fire involved a number of properties in a row of houses, several oil tanks and a shed.
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