Tyre fire burns through night
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
FIRE crews battled around the clock to fight the fire that engulfed a scrapyard in Mayobridge.
THE cause of a fire at a tyre dealers in Mayobridge is still unknown because the blaze burned so long that the site remained unexamined when the Democrat went to press.
Firefighters tackled massive flames throughout Sunday night and most of Monday after the blaze broke out at RP Tyres on the Newry Road at around 9.30pm on Sunday (January 15).
Two Newry crews, three from Warrenpoint, one Rathfriland crew, Command Support Unit and Appliance from Lisburn Fire Station and the Red Cross Fire Emergency Support vehicle from Cadogan Fire Station, as well as relief pumps, all attended the fire, which involved an estimated 800 tyres.
Yesterday (Monday), as the crews continued to bring the blaze under control, councillor for the area, Sean O'Hare praised them for preventing a catastrophe.
“There are a few houses within yards of the site where the fire broke out. If it hadn't been successfully contained by the firefighters, who responded so brilliantly, the consequences could have been devastating," the SDLP man said.
“Thank God no-one was hurt although there are other concerns remaining, not least the potential pollution of the small river near the scene of the fire which feeds into the Clanrye.
“My thoughts are with the owner of this small business, which has been done enormous harm.
“I only hope that the fire turns out to have been entirely accidental."
Fire Service Group Commander, John Allen said his officers were focused on controlling the blaze in such a way as to minimise any damaging environmental impact.
“We are alongside a river and we are very conscious that fire water run-off has the potential to go into that river and result in a major fish kill," he said.
“As a result we are modifying our tactics accordingly and we are working in conjunction with the environment agency."
At the time of going to press, police said the cause of the fire remained unclear as they were unable to examine the scene, while a Fire Service spokeswoman said an investigation 'is ongoing' into the cause of the fire.
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