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06/03/2009
Seawater Used To Fight Co Antrim Blaze
In an unusual move, seawater was used earlier today to fight a major fire in rural Co Antrim.
More than 50 firefighters tackled a substantial fire at a derelict hotel on the Coast Road near Glenarm. The crews were at the Drumnagreagh Hotel since the early hours of this morning.
Water was pumped from the sea, and an aerial appliance was used to fight the fire from above.
Because of corrosion issues, seawater is normally avoided, as all equipment involved must be completely flushed clear after use.
William Caverner of the Fire Service told the BBC this morning it was "very, very rare" for officers to have to use water from the sea.
"Most of the water supplies in the province are very good, this was because of the hotel's remoteness and pressure problems," he said.
"There's not really many other buildings in that area so the water services couldn't increase the pressure.
"The easiest and quickest option for us was to get the high volume pumps to work."
He also said that the fire crews were likely to be on site for the whole morning as they damp down the blaze and investigate the cause.
As yet, there are no indications of how the fire began.
The main coast road was initially restricted to a single lane near Glenarm, but remained open to traffic.
(BMcC/JM)
More than 50 firefighters tackled a substantial fire at a derelict hotel on the Coast Road near Glenarm. The crews were at the Drumnagreagh Hotel since the early hours of this morning.
Water was pumped from the sea, and an aerial appliance was used to fight the fire from above.
Because of corrosion issues, seawater is normally avoided, as all equipment involved must be completely flushed clear after use.
William Caverner of the Fire Service told the BBC this morning it was "very, very rare" for officers to have to use water from the sea.
"Most of the water supplies in the province are very good, this was because of the hotel's remoteness and pressure problems," he said.
"There's not really many other buildings in that area so the water services couldn't increase the pressure.
"The easiest and quickest option for us was to get the high volume pumps to work."
He also said that the fire crews were likely to be on site for the whole morning as they damp down the blaze and investigate the cause.
As yet, there are no indications of how the fire began.
The main coast road was initially restricted to a single lane near Glenarm, but remained open to traffic.
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
