Menu
16/11/2010
Blaze At Belfast Retail Park Investigated
Three large shop premises have been severely damaged following an overnight fire in south Belfast.
In all, 12 retail outlets at the Boucher Crescent Retail Park are believed to have been hit either by the blaze or in peripheral damage.
Seventeen appliances and 85 firefighters struggled for several hours to bring the fire at Boucher Crescent under control with the fire still underway during morning rush hour.
Motorists who slowed down on the adjacent M1 motorway caused traffic problems as they watched the dram - with traffic tailbacks as far as Lisburn.
The shops most severely affected are Poundstretcher, Birthdays and JD Sports, while several other were affected by smoke and water.
It is not yet known if the fire was started deliberately after the emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 4am.
The heart of the blaze appears to have been in the Poundstretcher store, which has been most badly damaged and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
South Belfast MLA Jimmy Spratt has commended the work of firefighters who have tackled an overnight fire at Boucher Retail Park in his constituency. Mr Spratt said that he hoped that staff who work in the affected stores could be relocated until they are re-opened.
Speaking today the DUP representative said: "The fire at the Boucher Retail Park is a blow for the South Belfast area, but my thoughts are with those staff who may be concerned about their employment at this time. I hope that the owners of the stores affected will be able to re-open as soon as possible and that staff could be re-located during this period.
"In the run-up to Christmas, shops are looking forward to one of their busiest times of the year, and particularly during these difficult economic times this only adds to the problems which are being faced by many retailers currently.
"Tribute must be paid to the dozens of firefighters who tackled this blaze and it is only because of their efforts that the damage sustained was not even more severe.
"I know that investigation teams will be working to establish the cause of this blaze but it is concerning that there is the possibility that the fire could have been started deliberately," he concluded.
The Sinn Fein South Belfast Alex Maskey has today said he is thankful that no one was seriously injured in last night's major fire on the Boucher Road.
"I am deeply thankful that no one was injured in what was obviously a very serious and dangerous blaze," he said.
"I commend the actions of the emergency services whose actions no doubt prevented even worse damage."
(BMcC/GK)
In all, 12 retail outlets at the Boucher Crescent Retail Park are believed to have been hit either by the blaze or in peripheral damage.
Seventeen appliances and 85 firefighters struggled for several hours to bring the fire at Boucher Crescent under control with the fire still underway during morning rush hour.
Motorists who slowed down on the adjacent M1 motorway caused traffic problems as they watched the dram - with traffic tailbacks as far as Lisburn.
The shops most severely affected are Poundstretcher, Birthdays and JD Sports, while several other were affected by smoke and water.
It is not yet known if the fire was started deliberately after the emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 4am.
The heart of the blaze appears to have been in the Poundstretcher store, which has been most badly damaged and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
South Belfast MLA Jimmy Spratt has commended the work of firefighters who have tackled an overnight fire at Boucher Retail Park in his constituency. Mr Spratt said that he hoped that staff who work in the affected stores could be relocated until they are re-opened.
Speaking today the DUP representative said: "The fire at the Boucher Retail Park is a blow for the South Belfast area, but my thoughts are with those staff who may be concerned about their employment at this time. I hope that the owners of the stores affected will be able to re-open as soon as possible and that staff could be re-located during this period.
"In the run-up to Christmas, shops are looking forward to one of their busiest times of the year, and particularly during these difficult economic times this only adds to the problems which are being faced by many retailers currently.
"Tribute must be paid to the dozens of firefighters who tackled this blaze and it is only because of their efforts that the damage sustained was not even more severe.
"I know that investigation teams will be working to establish the cause of this blaze but it is concerning that there is the possibility that the fire could have been started deliberately," he concluded.
The Sinn Fein South Belfast Alex Maskey has today said he is thankful that no one was seriously injured in last night's major fire on the Boucher Road.
"I am deeply thankful that no one was injured in what was obviously a very serious and dangerous blaze," he said.
"I commend the actions of the emergency services whose actions no doubt prevented even worse damage."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
13 June 2016
Two Fires At Derelict Factory In Co Tyrone Being Treated As Arson
Two fires at a derelict factory in Co Tyrone are being treat as arson. The first blaze started at Herdman's Mill in Sion Mills on Friday, 10 June, which caused substantial damage. The second fire was started on Saturday, 11 June, at around 8.30pm, and caused further damage. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Two Fires At Derelict Factory In Co Tyrone Being Treated As Arson
Two fires at a derelict factory in Co Tyrone are being treat as arson. The first blaze started at Herdman's Mill in Sion Mills on Friday, 10 June, which caused substantial damage. The second fire was started on Saturday, 11 June, at around 8.30pm, and caused further damage. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
23 April 2004
Fire crews deal with separate fires in Co Antrim
Police are appealing for information following two suspicious fires in Co Antrim in the early hours of Friday morning. The first fire was discovered at a factory unit in north Belfast at around 12 midnight. It is believed the blaze started when paper inside the unit was set alight. Some windows and two other units were damaged in the fire.
Fire crews deal with separate fires in Co Antrim
Police are appealing for information following two suspicious fires in Co Antrim in the early hours of Friday morning. The first fire was discovered at a factory unit in north Belfast at around 12 midnight. It is believed the blaze started when paper inside the unit was set alight. Some windows and two other units were damaged in the fire.
17 September 2014
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
