16/07/2015

Firefighters Tackle Blaze In L'Derry

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a Poundstretcher store in L'Derry.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS) was alerted about the blaze on Bishop Street at around 1.30am on Thursday morning.

An NIFRS spokesperson said: "Initial crews were confronted by a well-developed fire in the ground floor of the premises. NIFRS committed a total of seven fire appliances, a command support unit and an aerial appliance to this incident.

"The incident is still on going at present."

Speaking after visiting the scene this morning Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Maeve McLaughlin said: "I would like to commend the work of the local Fire Service who worked throughout the night to contain this fire and stop it spreading to adjoining businesses.

"Due to the scale of the fire it obvious it will also have an impact on the other shops and businesses in the locality.

"It's important that the staff get as much support as possible and that the store is reopened to save up to fifteen local jobs.

"City Centre Initiative Manager Jim Roddy with others have been working very hard to ensure alternative premises are found."

(CD)


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