Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service received more than 300 calls on Eleventh night
An elderly couple lost their home in County Antrim after a fire, likely caused by embers from a nearby bonfire, spread to their property. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service reported over 300 calls during the Eleventh night, highlighting the dangers associated with traditional bonfire celebrations.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing public safety concerns and property risks associated with traditional bonfire events in Northern Ireland.
Image caption, Davy Haighton could only watch as his family home of 56 years burned down
An elderly man has said everything he owns has been destroyed after two family homes were gutted in a blaze.
Davy Haighton had lived in his terraced house at Knockleigh Walk, Greenisland, County Antrim, for the past 56 years.
The retired great-grandfather told BBC News NI that "everything is gone - clothes, money, documents, all our memories".
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the "most probable cause is thought to be accidental ignition due to embers from a nearby bonfire".
In addition to gutting the two houses, the fire also damaged two other neighbouring properties in the terrace.
Haighton said his wife, who has mobility issues, was already asleep upstairs when he noticed a gate at the back of their house was ablaze shortly after midnight.
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