Fire which destroyed homes ‘likely caused by embers from nearby bonfire’
By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association
A blaze which destroyed two houses in Co Antrim was most likely caused by embers from a nearby bonfire, the fire service has said.
The incident in Greenisland, near Carrickfergus, also saw two other terraced properties damaged in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) Area Commander Dermot Rooney said: “In Greenisland, Carrickfergus, firefighters dealt with a row of terraced houses on fire, along with two oil tanks and a shed.
“Two homes were completely destroyed with damage caused to a further two properties.
“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
Some residents had to be evacuated from their properties, and our thoughts are with those who have been affected.
Providing an update, a NIFRS spokesperson said firefighters had responded to a number of calls about the incident.
The spokesperson said: “At the height of the incident the fire involved a number of properties in a row of houses, several oil tanks and a shed.
“NIFRS had 45 firefighting personnel on scene, six pumping appliances, a command support unit and an aerial ladder.
“Five firefighting jets were in use alongside an aerial water tower.
“Some residents had to be evacuated from their properties and our thoughts are with those who have been affected.
“NIFRS would like to thank local partner agencies and the community for their help in support of the displaced families.”
The spokesperson added: “Further to completing our fire investigation today the most probable cause is thought to be accidental ignition due to embers from a nearby bonfire.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police provided assistance to colleagues at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service following a report of fire damage caused to properties in the Knockleigh Walk area of Greenisland.
“The report for assistance was made to police at approximately 12.20am this morning, Sunday 12th July.”
The PSNI said the fire “has been deemed accidental at this time”.
Alliance Party councillor Stewart Dickson, who lives in the area, expressed his sympathies to the families affected by the fire.
He said: “I’d like to express my thanks to the wonderful neighbours who opened their homes to the families whose homes were destroyed last night.
“The whole Greenisland community really rallied around the victims of the fire.
“I’d also like to thank the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and all other agencies involved in getting the situation under control.
“Thankfully, no one was hurt or injured; however, this has been an extremely distressing situation for the entire community in Greenisland, in which I live, and what we need now is a full and thorough investigation into exactly what caused this fire.”
