A major fire erupted at a commercial premises on Ballyards Road in Milford, County Armagh, in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a large-scale response from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). The first call regarding the blaze was received at 3:45 a.m., with reports from local residents describing a “massive explosion” prior to the fire taking hold, according to armaghi.com.
More than 50 firefighters were dispatched to the scene from stations across Northern Ireland, including Armagh, Keady, Portadown, Banbridge, Dungannon, Newtownhamilton, Lisburn, and a water tanker from Pomeroy, belfastlive.co.uk reported. Crews are working to contain the fire, and while it is now reported as “under control” by NIFRS, a scaled-back presence is expected to remain on site for several hours, according to irishnews.com.
Authorities are urging local residents to take precautions, advising them to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the Ballyards Road to allow emergency services unimpeded access to the site, rte.ie stated.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an investigation into the incident, appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 230 of 21/2/26, or submit a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their website, http://crimestoppers-uk.org/, irishnews.com reported.
Sinn Féin Councillor Ashley Mallon praised the swift response of the emergency services, including the NIFRS and PSNI, noting the attendance of over 50 firefighters from across Northern Ireland. Mallon also reiterated the importance of residents following the safety advice issued by emergency personnel, armaghi.com reported.
As of Saturday morning, there have been no reports of any injuries related to the fire. The NIFRS has thanked the public for their patience while dealing with the incident, according to belfastlive.co.uk.
