Fire Alarm System At Block Of Flats Worked 'As Expected' - NIFRS

The fire alarm system at a high-rise block of flats in the Dunmurry area of Belfast worked "as expected", according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).

A blaze broke out on the ninth floor apartment in Coolmoyne House in Seymour Hill just after 5.30pm on Wednesday, 15 November.

Residents were evacuated from the scene and two people are being treated in hospital for minor injuries.

SDLP MLA Pat Catney said: "We do need to understand urgently what happened here tonight to provide reassurance to those affected. I'll continue to work with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to ascertain further information. 

"Being at such a scene really brings home the importance of our emergency services. These men and women are real heroes, tonight they put out these flames and ensured the safety of all residents. They should be commended and respected by all of us for the invaluable service they provide. They are a credit to our community."

Alliance Councillor Stephen Martin praised the emergency services.

He said: "We are still awaiting confirmation on the cause of this fire but we believe everyone has been evacuated without a major disaster occurring. My thanks go to the emergency services for their efforts and quick response, which no doubt helped ensure the safety of residents."

Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler also praised the emergency services and said it would be beneficial to review evacuation plans for high rise buildings.

He said: "I want to thank all the emergency services, and in particular the Fire and Rescue Service, who responded so swiftly to the fire which broke out at flats in Seymour Hill this evening. They demonstrated immense bravery and professionalism in getting residents out of the flats so quickly to be treated by the paramedics.

"Social media pictures offer a glimpse of the terrifying scene which faced residents, and emergency services who arrived at the flats. I know from experience what races through your mind when you first arrive at the scene of a fire. Given the tragic images and terrible loss of life which we saw at Grenfell earlier this year, people are very aware of the potential for loss of life in circumstances like this. Thank goodness on this occasion, that was not the case.

"It does once again raise the question - should consideration be given to retrospectively fitting sprinkler systems to all high rise flats?"

(CD/JP)