Menu
12/12/2007
Family's Fire Escape Plan Praised
A family had a lucky escape last night when they had to flee from an arson attack in south Belfast.
The ground floor of the property, at Florenceville Drive, off the Ormeau Road, was targeted at around 3am on Wednesday, trapping the woman and her three teenage children upstairs.
According to reports from the scene this morning, they fled the blaze via an upstairs window, leading onto a small ledge from which they were able to make their way safely to the ground.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Service said the family had a lucky escape from the blaze that badly damaged the ground floor, but later commented that their escape route must have been pre-planned because it proved to be so effective.
Police are questioning a man who was arrested in connection with the alleged arson attack.
The Fire Service said flammable liquid was poured in through a window at the property in south Belfast.
Fire officer, Alan Walmsley, said the ground floor was well alight by the time crews arrived.
"They obviously had an escape plan in place and they were able to escape via a first floor window onto a flat roof and onto safety," he said.
He said fire crews extinguished the blaze, which broke out in the living room of the property.
Meanwhile, a woman escaped injury after a suspicious fire at a house at Cliftonville Avenue, in north Belfast. The blaze caused minor damage.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The ground floor of the property, at Florenceville Drive, off the Ormeau Road, was targeted at around 3am on Wednesday, trapping the woman and her three teenage children upstairs.
According to reports from the scene this morning, they fled the blaze via an upstairs window, leading onto a small ledge from which they were able to make their way safely to the ground.
A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Service said the family had a lucky escape from the blaze that badly damaged the ground floor, but later commented that their escape route must have been pre-planned because it proved to be so effective.
Police are questioning a man who was arrested in connection with the alleged arson attack.
The Fire Service said flammable liquid was poured in through a window at the property in south Belfast.
Fire officer, Alan Walmsley, said the ground floor was well alight by the time crews arrived.
"They obviously had an escape plan in place and they were able to escape via a first floor window onto a flat roof and onto safety," he said.
He said fire crews extinguished the blaze, which broke out in the living room of the property.
Meanwhile, a woman escaped injury after a suspicious fire at a house at Cliftonville Avenue, in north Belfast. The blaze caused minor damage.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
22 November 2024
Winter's Den: A Festive Wonderland In Belfast City Centre
Belfast city centre is getting ready to spread some festive cheer with the opening of Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue. The former Tesco Metro has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a packed programme of free events and activities for people of all ages.
Winter's Den: A Festive Wonderland In Belfast City Centre
Belfast city centre is getting ready to spread some festive cheer with the opening of Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue. The former Tesco Metro has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a packed programme of free events and activities for people of all ages.
22 November 2024
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
Pedestrian Injured In Belfast Hit-and-Run
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a hit-and-run incident in the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast in the early hours of Thursday morning. Officers were called to the scene shortly before 1.30am after a male pedestrian was struck by a maroon Mazda. Despite being injured, the pedestrian left the area before police arrived.
21 November 2024
Man Dies After Bus Fall In Belfast
Detectives are investigating the death of an 80-year-old man who fell from a bus in Belfast. Police have said that they believe the man was travelling on a 2J Translink Metro bus service at around 11:15am on Friday, 08 November, when he suffered a fall as the bus travelled along Royal Avenue, near it's junction with North Street.
Man Dies After Bus Fall In Belfast
Detectives are investigating the death of an 80-year-old man who fell from a bus in Belfast. Police have said that they believe the man was travelling on a 2J Translink Metro bus service at around 11:15am on Friday, 08 November, when he suffered a fall as the bus travelled along Royal Avenue, near it's junction with North Street.
-
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.
