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26/10/2007
Portrush Blaze Bar Collapses
Fire has caused extensive damage to licensed premises in the seaside resort of Portrush.
Part of Waterstone's Bar on Main Street, Portrush, collapsed during the blaze.
A police spokesperson said the street would remain closed for most of the day because of the danger of the remaining walls collapsing.
Peter O'Reilly, group commander with the Fire and Rescue Service, said the internal supporting structures of the building had been destroyed.
"The external walls are basically keeping themselves up at the present time and therefore we have to make sure that the safety of our firefighters is paramount," he said.
A fellow Portrush trader, who has been temporarily forced out of business following the fire, has paid tribute to the bravery and professionalism of firefighters who tackled the blaze.
Norman Hillis’ retail business in Main Street survived the fire which destroyed Waterstone’s Bar next door but his shop will be forced to remain closed after stock, fixtures and fittings were severely damaged by smoke.
Mr. Hillis said: “I salute the courage of the firefighters who attended the scene from all over the Province and fought the blaze throughout the night.
“I am grateful for their efforts which helped save our building and others close by.
“The fire could have been a major disaster for Portrush if it had spread to adjoining properties in Main Street.”
Mr. Hillis, a former Ulster Unionist Assembly member, runs the family business with his wife Veronica. The firm of R & J Hillis has been supplying locals and visitors to the area with clothing, curtains, blinds and household textiles since 1935.
The Coleraine Councillor said: “Our entire stock has suffered from smoke damage and we are probably looking at a complete refurbishment.
“There is no quick fix but we will be endeavouring to get back in business as quickly as possible.
“While this is a devastating blow, I am thankful that no-one was injured in the fire and that there has been no major damage to other buildings.
“I would express my sympathy to the owner and staff of the bar who have lost everything.”
(BMcC)
Part of Waterstone's Bar on Main Street, Portrush, collapsed during the blaze.
A police spokesperson said the street would remain closed for most of the day because of the danger of the remaining walls collapsing.
Peter O'Reilly, group commander with the Fire and Rescue Service, said the internal supporting structures of the building had been destroyed.
"The external walls are basically keeping themselves up at the present time and therefore we have to make sure that the safety of our firefighters is paramount," he said.
A fellow Portrush trader, who has been temporarily forced out of business following the fire, has paid tribute to the bravery and professionalism of firefighters who tackled the blaze.
Norman Hillis’ retail business in Main Street survived the fire which destroyed Waterstone’s Bar next door but his shop will be forced to remain closed after stock, fixtures and fittings were severely damaged by smoke.
Mr. Hillis said: “I salute the courage of the firefighters who attended the scene from all over the Province and fought the blaze throughout the night.
“I am grateful for their efforts which helped save our building and others close by.
“The fire could have been a major disaster for Portrush if it had spread to adjoining properties in Main Street.”
Mr. Hillis, a former Ulster Unionist Assembly member, runs the family business with his wife Veronica. The firm of R & J Hillis has been supplying locals and visitors to the area with clothing, curtains, blinds and household textiles since 1935.
The Coleraine Councillor said: “Our entire stock has suffered from smoke damage and we are probably looking at a complete refurbishment.
“There is no quick fix but we will be endeavouring to get back in business as quickly as possible.
“While this is a devastating blow, I am thankful that no-one was injured in the fire and that there has been no major damage to other buildings.
“I would express my sympathy to the owner and staff of the bar who have lost everything.”
(BMcC)
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