13 June 2001

FIRE CREWS JOIN FORCES TO PUT OUT KEADY FIRE

A PUB in County Armagh has been destroyed in a fire early on Wednesday morning.

Ten fire engines, from as far away as Belfast, were involved in the fight to bring the fire at the Callan River Inn in Keady under control.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary is investigating the cause of the outbreak and forensic officers have recovered a number of items for examination. The extensive damage to the building prohibited a comprehensive search of the site being carried out on Wednesday, June 13.

Divisional Commander of Portadown Assistant Divisional Officer Kevin Synnott who was at the scene said: “When we arrived at the building the fire had been burning for quite some time. The 43-strong fire fighting crew as a result were unable to save the public house, but they managed successfully to save the two adjoining premises.”

The fire was extinguished with only the concerted effort from six fire crews from Keady, Armagh, Portadown, Newtownhamilton, Belfast’s Knock Station and Newry. Divisional Commander Synnott said: “The people of Keady are so proud of the fire fighters. Although they couldn’t save the pub, the combined effort of the firemen was amazing. All of these firemen are part time. They have full time jobs and they work in the evening as fire men.”

No one was injured in the blaze, which extensively damaged the building. (AMcE)