Northern Ireland

Early morning fire at west Belfast filling station

The fire service at the scene of the fire at Hoey's Mace on Stewartstown Road. Picture by Mal McCann
The fire service at the scene of the fire at Hoey's Mace on Stewartstown Road. Picture by Mal McCann The fire service at the scene of the fire at Hoey's Mace on Stewartstown Road. Picture by Mal McCann

THE cause of a major fire at a west Belfast filling station "remains under investigation".

Eight crews were tasked to the blaze at Hoey's Mace on Stewartstown Road at around 2.30am yesterday.

Several homes were evacuated in Foxes Glen backing on to the garage as firefighters successfully prevented the flames spreading to adjacent properties and the petrol pumps. The last crew was on site until just before 11am.

A spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Service said: "Seven fire appliances, one aerial appliance and a command support vehicle attended the incident.

"The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Fire Investigation Officers will attend the scene following conclusion of the incident.

"The Fire Emergency Support Service also attended to provide assistance to local residents impacted by the incident."

In an update yesterday the Fire Service said the cause of the fire "remains under investigation".

Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn praised the swift response of the emergency services.