Bonfire site targeted in petrol bomb incident

Firefighters were called to the scene of the Edgarstown bonfire at Montague Street, Portadown, in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, June 16) after what is understood to have been a petrol bomb attack.

According to the Fire Service, they were on scene from 4.14am and finished at 10.36am.

It’s also understood a JCB digger was used in an effort to pull material from the bonfire as firefighters tackled the blaze.

At this stage it would appear most of the bonfire material has been saved for burning during the traditional July 11 celebrations.

Councillor Darryn Causby said, “This morning’s attempt to burn Edgarstown bonfire is a deliberate attempt to raise tensions and fear in the area. I totally condemn it,”

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said,“Two fire appliances from Portadown Fire Station were deployed to the scene of a bonfire alight in the area. Firefighters using hosereel jets, thermal imaging cameras and a mechanical digger dealt with the fire.”

He added that the blaze is being treated as deliberate.