Menu
27/05/2008
Fires Deliberate
Firefighters have been kept busy over the last few days - most recently tackling a fire overnight at the former Nestle factory on the outskirts of Omagh.
It is thought the fire, in which a large quantity of wood chip pellets were burned, may have been started deliberately.
At its height almost 40 firefighters battled against the blaze on the Beltany Road, which was reported at 5pm on Monday.
An investigation into what happened is under way.
Meanwhile, a fire, which destroyed five acres of forest near Londonderry, has been declared as deliberately set, the Fire and Rescue Service has said.
About 50 firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze in woodland at Killaloo, off the Gulf Road.
Fifteen acres of gorse and heather were also destroyed, but the fire was prevented from spreading to a much larger forest.
Fire Service commander Willie Lynch said they were hampered by the weather.
"The trees there are about 30ft high, and the gorse has been growing there for a number of years and is about two feet high," he said.
Another blaze has also been identified as arson.
The sports hall of the Boys' Model school on the Ballysillan Road in north Belfast was extensively damaged in the attack, which was reported on Sunday afternoon.
While the hall was set to be demolished during refurbishment work, exams were due to begin there today (Tuesday).
School principal Jim Keith said examination papers had been lost in the fire: "We lost all of the equipment in the games hall, which was quite extensive," he said.
However, he noted: "The school had not been targeted in over 20 years so I just presume it is because it is a building site and it has attracted people who would not normally come here. It does concern me about the future."
The school has just embarked on a £22m refurbishment programme.
In a separate incident, a man had to be rescued from a fire at his home in Glenside Road in Londonderry on Sunday.
He fell asleep after leaving the cooker on, and was later treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.
(BMcC)
It is thought the fire, in which a large quantity of wood chip pellets were burned, may have been started deliberately.
At its height almost 40 firefighters battled against the blaze on the Beltany Road, which was reported at 5pm on Monday.
An investigation into what happened is under way.
Meanwhile, a fire, which destroyed five acres of forest near Londonderry, has been declared as deliberately set, the Fire and Rescue Service has said.
About 50 firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze in woodland at Killaloo, off the Gulf Road.
Fifteen acres of gorse and heather were also destroyed, but the fire was prevented from spreading to a much larger forest.
Fire Service commander Willie Lynch said they were hampered by the weather.
"The trees there are about 30ft high, and the gorse has been growing there for a number of years and is about two feet high," he said.
Another blaze has also been identified as arson.
The sports hall of the Boys' Model school on the Ballysillan Road in north Belfast was extensively damaged in the attack, which was reported on Sunday afternoon.
While the hall was set to be demolished during refurbishment work, exams were due to begin there today (Tuesday).
School principal Jim Keith said examination papers had been lost in the fire: "We lost all of the equipment in the games hall, which was quite extensive," he said.
However, he noted: "The school had not been targeted in over 20 years so I just presume it is because it is a building site and it has attracted people who would not normally come here. It does concern me about the future."
The school has just embarked on a £22m refurbishment programme.
In a separate incident, a man had to be rescued from a fire at his home in Glenside Road in Londonderry on Sunday.
He fell asleep after leaving the cooker on, and was later treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
06 October 2015
Smoking Is Biggest Cause Of Accidental Fire Deaths In NI
Smoking is the biggest cause of accidental fire deaths in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). There have been 53 accidental fire deaths over the past five years and 22 of these were as a direct result of smoking materials.
Smoking Is Biggest Cause Of Accidental Fire Deaths In NI
Smoking is the biggest cause of accidental fire deaths in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). There have been 53 accidental fire deaths over the past five years and 22 of these were as a direct result of smoking materials.
08 September 2014
NIFRS Warning Over Chimney Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public of the dangers of chimney fires, after it attended 1,762 such fires last year, representing just over 7% of all incidents in 2013. Chimney Fire Safety Week begins today, and the NIFRS is reminding the public to ensure chimneys are swept and cleaned regularly.
NIFRS Warning Over Chimney Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public of the dangers of chimney fires, after it attended 1,762 such fires last year, representing just over 7% of all incidents in 2013. Chimney Fire Safety Week begins today, and the NIFRS is reminding the public to ensure chimneys are swept and cleaned regularly.
12 June 2008
Gorse Fires And Attacks On Firefighters Slammed
After many hundreds of malicious fires in gorge areas over the last weeks of warm weather, the NI Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on members of the public to do their bit in reducing both attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.
Gorse Fires And Attacks On Firefighters Slammed
After many hundreds of malicious fires in gorge areas over the last weeks of warm weather, the NI Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on members of the public to do their bit in reducing both attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
