Fire Service Confirms Accidental Industrial Estate Blaze in Bangor, Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) has confirmed that a large fire at an industrial estate in Bangor, County Down, was accidental. The fire, which occurred on Friday evening, involved the Fusco Vehicle Sales premises in the Balloo Industrial Estate. At the height of the blaze, eight fire crews were on the scene.
Following an assessment on Saturday morning, firefighters had left the scene by 09:20 GMT. The owner of the destroyed premises, Johnny Fusco, expressed relief that no one was injured. Initially, NIFRS reported a structural collapse at the site, but Fusco assured that everyone was safe.
The company plans to resume operations from an adjoining business on Monday. Fusco also mentioned that most of the stock was saved, except for three cars. He praised the local community for their support and assistance in moving the stock.
The fire service and police advised the public to avoid Balloo Way in Bangor due to the smoke. Nearby residents were also instructed to keep windows closed. The scale of the fire was evident from the large plume of smoke hanging over the industrial estate.
Firefighters tackled the blaze using water from a height, and cordons were put in place to ensure public safety. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Stephen Dunne expressed shock and concern in the community, highlighting the potential devastation given the proximity to businesses and homes.
North Down MP Alex Easton thanked the emergency services for their response, and Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan praised NIFRS for their prompt and professional handling of the fire, which could have caused more damage without their quick control measures.
