Firefighters hosing down shops next to the bonfire on Lecky Road.
Fire crews attended a “15th of August” bonfire in Derry’s Bogside last night.
Up to 20 firefighters hosed down shops next to the 30 foot construction on Lecky Road.
Firefighters cooling down shops next to the bonfire.
The bonfire was built around 20 feet from shops adjacent to the Bogside Inn.
One fire tender was at the scene before the fire was lit at 10.30pm, however as it took hold, two additional tenders were called in to assist.
Over 1,000 onlookers had gathered to watch the blaze and traffic in the area was brought to a standstill.
An “emergency response” ambulance on a “999” call was held up for a brief period.
At its height, the crowds were forced to stand around 40 yards from the fire because of the heat generated.
Those who built the bonfire have been condemned for placing it so close to the shops.
Earlier in the day, Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Cooper expressed his disappointment that the opportunity was not taken to replace bonfires with community festivals.
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