Why a bonfire in Northern Ireland has ignited fierce controversy
Briefly

The Independent reports on current issues like reproductive rights, climate change, and political tensions in Northern Ireland. Controversial loyalist bonfires are a focus, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland responding to the Belfast city council's request for help removing a pyre. Bonfires are traditionally lit on July 11 in Loyalist areas to commemorate the Twelfth of July, marking the Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. This year's situation around the bonfires reflects ongoing political and public safety concerns in the area.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) declared it a major incident as the force considers a request from the council to help contractors remove a towering pyre on Meridi Street off the Donegall Road.
Every July 11, bonfires are lit late in the evening in some Loyalist areas in Northern Ireland, ahead of the main date in the parading calendar of Protestant loyal orders.
The Twelfth commemorates the victory of protestant King William of Orange over the Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The Independent looks at the history of bonfire night in Northern Ireland and why they have become a political flashpoint and public safety concern this year.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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