More than 100 firefighters attended the scene of a fire at a former poultry factory in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland last night (Monday, November 22nd, 2021).
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service declared the blaze in Ballymoney (former site of Fleming Poultry) a “major incident”.
In a statement last night, Group Commander David Nichol, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“Firefighters from across Northern Ireland are currently tackling a major fire at industrial premises.”
“Over 100 firefighters, including 9 officers, 15 pumping appliances and 10 specialist appliances are dealing with the incident.”
NIFRS asked local residents to remain in their homes and to keep doors and windows closed. “The cause of fire is under investigation,” the spokesperson concluded.
Update
In an update this afternoon (Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021), a spokesperson said:
“Firefighters from across Northern Ireland remain at the scene of a major fire at an industrial premises on the Ballymena Road, Ballymoney.”
“Throughout the night, more than 100 firefighters, including 9 officers, 15 fire appliances and 10 specialist appliances fought to bring the fire under control.”
NIFRS is no longer treating this as a major incident. However, more than 30 firefighters, including 4 officers, 4 fire appliances, 2 aerial appliances and 1 high volume pump, remain at the scene, alongside a command support unit.
As the incident continues, it has organised arrangements to maintain emergency response cover across Northern Ireland.
It expects the incident to continue into this evening.
“We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and for local residents to remain in their homes.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the fire’s cause is “still under investigation”.
16,000 birds killed in farm blaze
A fire at a Fermanagh poultry farm killed 16,000 birds last month.
The fire broke out on Sunday morning, October 10th, 2021.
The incident occurred at a farm on the Marble Arch Road in Belcoo, in the county.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported that it took firefighters more than seven hours to bring the fire under control.
Read this farming news story.
