A large fire at a commercial premises in Milford, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, drew a response from over 50 firefighters overnight, prompting a police investigation.
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) received the initial call at 3:45 am on Saturday, February 21, 2026, regarding the blaze on Ballyards Road, according to a press association report. Crews were dispatched from Armagh, Keady, Portadown, Banbridge, Dungannon, Newtownhamilton, Lisburn, and a water tanker was brought in from Pomeroy to contain the fire.
Firefighters from Counties Armagh, Tyrone, and Down worked to control the flames. Local residents were advised by the NIFRS to maintain their windows and doors closed as a precaution. Authorities also requested that the public avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate effectively.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Chief Inspector John Keers stated, “The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service remain at the scene at this time and enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances.” The PSNI is appealing for information from the public, asking anyone with details to contact them on 101, referencing incident number 230 of February 21, 2026. Alternatively, reports can be submitted online via the non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website or through Crimestoppers anonymously.
A spokesperson for the NIFRS thanked the public for their patience while crews worked to address the incident. The extent of the damage to the commercial premises has not yet been disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing.
