08/10/2008
30 Homeless After Co Down Blaze
An afternoon inferno at a County Down block of flats has left around 30 people homeless.
The three-storey structure was partially destroyed by the blaze, which broke out around 3.30pm yesterday.
Four people were rescued from the scene as the fire tore through the homes at Loughside Drive in Ballynahinch.
Several fire crews from the surrounding area helped tackle the blaze, which was eventually brought under control.
One resident told the Down Recorder he "owed his life" to the emergency crews.
In total 12 flats were destroyed, forcing many to spend the night in a nearby hotel.
The Housing Executive's Aidan Brannigan said: "We are working to see where we can get them placed and then see what their longer term requirements are."
Police are still investigating how the fire started, but do not suspect foul play.
(PR/JM)
The three-storey structure was partially destroyed by the blaze, which broke out around 3.30pm yesterday.
Four people were rescued from the scene as the fire tore through the homes at Loughside Drive in Ballynahinch.
Several fire crews from the surrounding area helped tackle the blaze, which was eventually brought under control.
One resident told the Down Recorder he "owed his life" to the emergency crews.
In total 12 flats were destroyed, forcing many to spend the night in a nearby hotel.
The Housing Executive's Aidan Brannigan said: "We are working to see where we can get them placed and then see what their longer term requirements are."
Police are still investigating how the fire started, but do not suspect foul play.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 April 2004
Fire crews deal with separate fires in Co Antrim
Police are appealing for information following two suspicious fires in Co Antrim in the early hours of Friday morning. The first fire was discovered at a factory unit in north Belfast at around 12 midnight. It is believed the blaze started when paper inside the unit was set alight. Some windows and two other units were damaged in the fire.
Fire crews deal with separate fires in Co Antrim
Police are appealing for information following two suspicious fires in Co Antrim in the early hours of Friday morning. The first fire was discovered at a factory unit in north Belfast at around 12 midnight. It is believed the blaze started when paper inside the unit was set alight. Some windows and two other units were damaged in the fire.
11 August 2008
Minister Condemns Attacks On Fire Crews
Attacks on fire crews place their lives in danger and put communities at risk, said Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey today. Condemning a further spate of attacks on firefighters in Dungannon and Londonderry over the weekend, the Minister said it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone to assault emergency workers.
Minister Condemns Attacks On Fire Crews
Attacks on fire crews place their lives in danger and put communities at risk, said Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey today. Condemning a further spate of attacks on firefighters in Dungannon and Londonderry over the weekend, the Minister said it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone to assault emergency workers.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
18 May 2005
Motorist dies in Co Armagh school bus crash
A man has died following a collision between a car and a school bus in Co Armagh this morning. The victim, named as Jason Davidson Murray, 26, from Shandon Park in Newry, died when his car collided with the bus at around 8.30am on the Tandragee Road outside Newry.
Motorist dies in Co Armagh school bus crash
A man has died following a collision between a car and a school bus in Co Armagh this morning. The victim, named as Jason Davidson Murray, 26, from Shandon Park in Newry, died when his car collided with the bus at around 8.30am on the Tandragee Road outside Newry.
05 April 2007
Three rescued from blaze in County Down
Two men and a woman have been rescued from a fire in County Down. The blaze is believed to have taken place some time around 11.35pm on Wednesday at flats in Hawthorn Walk in Dromore. It is understood firefighters entered the smoke-filled flat and rescued a 50-year-old man. He was given oxygen before an ambulance arrived.
Three rescued from blaze in County Down
Two men and a woman have been rescued from a fire in County Down. The blaze is believed to have taken place some time around 11.35pm on Wednesday at flats in Hawthorn Walk in Dromore. It is understood firefighters entered the smoke-filled flat and rescued a 50-year-old man. He was given oxygen before an ambulance arrived.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.