Eco-friendly bonfire tested in North

An eco-friendly alternative to the huge bonfires that light up the skies across the North during the summer marching season was tested today.

The wood-filled steel beacons are considered safer and less polluting than the towers of wood pallets and tyres that are ignited in Protestant estates across the region on the night before the traditional Twelfth of July Orange Order celebrations.

One of the beacons was trialled in the Woodvale area of north Belfast this year.

Today’s tests at the Fire Service Training Centre in the south of the city were to determine the long term durability of the structures.

Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson welcomed the initiative, which is being developed by Belfast City Council.

“We in government recognise the important cultural significance of bonfires within various community celebrations throughout Northern Ireland,” said the DUP minister.

“We do not want to undermine tradition. However, we cannot overlook the fact that they have increasingly become environmental liabilities, stacked with heavily polluting tyres and wooden pallets.

“Too often, they are also being used by unscrupulous businesses to illegally dispose of their commercial waste without paying, or adhering to safe and secure methods. Beacons are a practical, more environmentally sustainable alternative to highly polluting bonfires.”

The East Antrim MP added: “Bonfires evolved from the centuries-old practice of relays of beacons used in celebrations. Belfast City Council’s initiative is in fact bringing us back to their proper, traditional use.”