Fire service deals with 303 emergency calls as Eleventh Night bonfires are lit

As the Eleventh Night celebrations kicked off with bonfires across Northern Ireland, the fire service faced a high volume of emergency calls, totaling 303 incidents. In Cookstown, firefighters had to retreat from a bonfire due to a hostile crowd, highlighting the tensions that can erupt during these traditional events. The surge in calls underscores the challenges faced by emergency services during such large gatherings, emphasizing the need for better crowd management and public safety measures. This situation reflects broader issues regarding community relations and the management of public festivities.