The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has said a large fire in a “number of sheds” in Newtownards, Co. Down has this morning been brought under control.
It is understood the fire occurred on property of Corries Meats, on the Crossnamuckley Road, and that everyone is safe.
The NIFRS said that the initial call was received at 7:15p.m last night (Saturday, April 11).
Last night, the service said eight fire appliances, an aerial appliance, a water tank and a command support unit were 54 firefighters attending.
The NIFRS requested people to avoid the area to allow firefighting operations to continue.
Under control
In an update this morning, the service said the large fire “has now been brought under control”.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” it said.
“NIFRS resources have now left the scene.”
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said “thoughts and prayers” are with “everyone at Corries’ farm”.
He described it as “devastating news”, and that last night, wind conditions were “working against efforts to contain it”, making the situation “incredibly difficult”.
Down hay shed fire
Earlier this month, 300 sheep were removed from a hay shed in Co. Down where a fire broke out.
A NIFRS spokesperson said the initial call was received at 9:03p.m on Thursday, April 2, for a large fire at a hayshed on Cascum Road, Banbridge.
“Firefighters were called to reports of a well-developed hay fire in a shed with approximately 300 sheep and 30 calves.
“The NIFRS large animal rescue team led all animals to safety upon arrival.”