The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) officers are currently assisting the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) in responding to a suspicious fire at a waste recycling site in Rathfriland. The fire occurred during last night.
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A young family were forced to flee the flames as fire engulfed and destroyed their home at Kiltarrif Drive in Rathfriland following a blaze at an adjacent recycling plant.[/caption]
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “This concerns me, especially given the fact that there was a risk to human safety. NIEA officers are providing guidance and assistance to the NIFRS and they are assessing the environmental impact of the fire. NIEA is aware the PSNI have commenced an investigation into the cause of the fire.
“NIEA officers have initially assessed the impact to the environment as low. This recycling site has an exemption to waste management licensing for the baling, sorting, and shredding of waste plastics for recovery or reuse, and the sorting and baling of paper or cardboard for recovery.
“NIEA officers will remain on site to assist the NIFRS until their operations are completed. I have asked them to keep me constantly updated.”
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The scene of devastation after the fire in the recycling plant at Rathfriland.[/caption]
Ritchie Says Relief No-one Was Killed In Fire At Rathfriland Recycling Plant
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has praised the work done by firefighters at a fire in Rathfriland overnight, who managed to rescue several people.
She said: “There is a huge relief that nobody was killed or injured as a result of the overnight fire at the recycling plant at Rathfriland. I understand that a man, woman and young children were able to get out of their house in Kiltarriff Drive before the fire spread near their property in the estate and engulfed their home.
“Fires always present dangers but at Christmas time, which is a period of celebration, hope and expectation, fires bring a degree of sadness and fear. I trust that the residents who had to leave their homes will be returned to their properties in time to celebrate the festive season.
“Commendations and praise must go to the firefighters from Rathfriland, Warrenpoint, Newry and Lisburn who have to work day and night in life-saving operations tackling fires, and on this occasion who had to battle strong winds and very inclement weather to bring the fire under control.”
McCallister Praises Fire Service For Containing The Rathfriland Blaze
Independent Unionist MLA John McCallister has praised the NI Fire and rescue Service for their efforts to quell a fierce blaze at a recycling plant on the Newry Road in Rathfriland. He said: “This was a truly horrific blaze and no doubt a huge challenge for the local Fire & Rescue team supported by colleagues for surrounding stations.
“It is amazing that no-one lost their life and I am greatly relieved that there was no serious injury occurred because of this very dangerous fire.
“The NIFRS must be praised for their efforts in very difficult conditions. A strong wind was blowing fanning the fire making it very hazzardous for the fire fighters to get under control.
“The fire could have had a very devastating effect on neighbouring homes in Kiltarrif Drive. One home was destroyed in the fire and my heart goes out to the young family who had to flee just in time after being alerted by a vigilant neighbour.
“The police and the NIFRS must find out what caused this serious fire. It has left one family homeless and caused considerable damage to neighbouring property. The gentleman in the home that was destroyed recently lost his job and the whole community are just shocked at this incident.
“This family with a young child had a very fortunate escape and we are all thankful for that. Our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with losing their home and belongs. I confident that the community will rally behind them and support them at this time.”
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The fire is understood to to be suspicious and the PSNI and NIFRS will be examining its circumstances over the next few days.
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