Northern Ireland

Fire at flats on Belfast's Lisburn Road `accidental'

Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann.
Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann. Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann.
By Bimpe Archer

ONE of Belfast's busiest roads was closed for several hours as more than 40 firefighters tackled a blaze at an apartment block.

The fire on the roof of the four-storey building on Lisburn Road in south Belfast was reported at 2.22pm and six fire engines were sent along with "three specialist appliances".

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said among those at the scene was an ariel appliance and a command support vehicle.

There was also support for crews from the Red Cross FESS vehicle.

The road was closed for around three hours between its junctions with Surrey Street and Windsor Road, with motorists advised by police to seek an alternative route.

The fire was brought under control at 5.07pm by firefighters using breathing apparatus and wearing specialist working at height equipment. No injuries were reported.

"The cause of fire was identified as accidental," a spokesman said.

The road reopened "with some restrictions in place" and drivers were advised to "proceed with caution in the area".

SDLP councillor Gary McKeown extended "thanks to the emergency services for their work in dealing with this fire on the Lisburn Road".

"I hope everyone is safe and it's brought under control."

 Workers clear debris around the Malone Exchange on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, where there was a fire in the building's penthouse earlier on Tuesday. Over 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture date: Tuesday May 18, 2021.
 Workers clear debris around the Malone Exchange on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, where there was a fire in the building's penthouse earlier on Tuesday. Over 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture date: Tuesday May 18, 2021.  Workers clear debris around the Malone Exchange on the Lisburn Road, Belfast, where there was a fire in the building's penthouse earlier on Tuesday. Over 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture date: Tuesday May 18, 2021.
Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann.
Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann. Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann.
Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann.
Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann. Police and fire service attend the scene of a fire at an appartment block on the Lisburn Road. Pictureby Mal McCann.