Fire Causes Extensive Damage To Houses In Dunmurry

Residents had to be evacuated from their homes after a major fire broke out in the early hours of Monday morning in Dunmurry, Co Antrim.

A shed caught fire and spread to an oil tank in Sunnyhill Park at around 4am.

The fire spread to nearby properties and caused extensive damage to three houses.

No-one was injured and sixty firefighters put the blaze out.

Kevin O'Neill, Area Commander of the Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We were called initially to a shed on fire.

"The shed fire spread to a fence and then to an oil tank which ruptured.

"The oil from that oil tank flowed across the back of several properties setting fire to other oil tanks causing partial roof collapse on two properties."

SDLP Belfast Councillor Brian Heading said: "The actions of the Fire and Rescue Service must be commended. The fact that no one was seriously hurt after what was a considerably dangerous situation is a credit to their expertise and efficiency under pressure.

"This incident serves as a timely reminder that fire safety is something that every household should take seriously. I would encourage everyone to ensure that they have an escape route in place and they check their fire alarms regularly to ensure that they are functioning.

"My thoughts are with the residents whose houses were badly damaged in the fire. I hope now that a thorough investigation can now take place to determine exactly what caused it."

(CD)