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As we approach the Twelfth of July celebrations,
there will be many within the community who will be organizing
bonfires as part of the annual festivities. Whilst the Orange
Order is not responsible for the organization of bonfires,
they are however a significant part of the twelfth celebrations.
Since the dawn of mankind bonfires have become the centre
of social activity and that tradition has remained ever since.
As far as the Orange tradition goes bonfires were lit on every
hillside at the time of William and Mary's coronation, King
William's arrival in Ireland in June 1690 and are a reminder
of the campfires lit the night before the Battle of the Boyne
1690.
However, if you are planning a bonfire this Twelfth, it is
important that you are aware of the responsibility associated
with them.
Bonfires need a lot of organising and can be a hazard. If,
after careful consideration, you do decide to have a bonfire,
make one person responsible for it, from early planning to
final clearing up.
Here are some helpful tips.
- Never use flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol to
get it going as this can result in uncontrolled spread of
fire or explosion.
- Check immediately before lighting that there's no animal
or even a young child hidden inside.
- Never put fireworks on a bonfire, even if they're dud.
- Don't burn dangerous rubbish (e.g. aerosols, paint tins
or foam-filled furniture).
- Remove any rubbish from your bonfire area in advance so
there's nothing that can be thrown onto the fire on the
night.
- Before lighting the bonfire make sure spectators need
to be cleared safely from the site.
- The bonfire needs to be put out completely, so don't leave
it unattended.
- Please ensure that the area around the site is totally
free of litter.
- Ensure that the bonfire site is totally cleared and do
not leave the responsibility of clearing up to others.
Most of all
Enjoy it! Safely
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