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14/10/2004
Belfast blaze is worst in years, says Fire Service
A major part of Belfast city centre has been cordoned on Thursday after a fire caught hold at a four-storey building in Royal Avenue early this morning.
More than 100 firefighters were involved in the operation after the blaze caught hold in the building which contains Waterstones bookstore and Goldsmith's jewellers.
Police confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the fire but as yet do not know how it started.
Chris Kerr, Assistant Senior Divisional Commander with the Fire Service, said it was one of the worst fires seen in the city in years.
"This is a major incident and one of the largest fires in Belfast for many years,” he said.
"Approximately 25% of the second floor and 50% of the third floor have been damaged, but sadly all of the fourth floor and roof structure have been destroyed."
NIO Minister Angela Smith commended the Fire Service for its role in tackling the blaze.
"This was the largest fire in the city for many years," the Minister said. "The scale and difficulty of bringing it under control and preventing it from spreading to a large part of the commercial centre of Belfast, demonstrates once again the highest standards of professional expertise and indeed bravery that are characteristic of the firefighters we have in Northern Ireland."
Royal Avenue will be closed to traffic and pedestrians until further notice from the Primark building down to the North Street Junction police have said.
(MB/GMCG)
More than 100 firefighters were involved in the operation after the blaze caught hold in the building which contains Waterstones bookstore and Goldsmith's jewellers.
Police confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the fire but as yet do not know how it started.
Chris Kerr, Assistant Senior Divisional Commander with the Fire Service, said it was one of the worst fires seen in the city in years.
"This is a major incident and one of the largest fires in Belfast for many years,” he said.
"Approximately 25% of the second floor and 50% of the third floor have been damaged, but sadly all of the fourth floor and roof structure have been destroyed."
NIO Minister Angela Smith commended the Fire Service for its role in tackling the blaze.
"This was the largest fire in the city for many years," the Minister said. "The scale and difficulty of bringing it under control and preventing it from spreading to a large part of the commercial centre of Belfast, demonstrates once again the highest standards of professional expertise and indeed bravery that are characteristic of the firefighters we have in Northern Ireland."
Royal Avenue will be closed to traffic and pedestrians until further notice from the Primark building down to the North Street Junction police have said.
(MB/GMCG)
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