Flats and four businesses were damaged following a fire that started in a chip shop in Armagh on Sunday morning.
Residents of flats were evacuated after the alarm was raised by the owner of Cordelia’s chip shop on the Killylea Road, which suffered significant damage in the blaze.
Five fire appliances were deployed to tackle the fire, which also damaged other businesses, an off licence and a Golden Village take away. Motorists were advised to avoid the area as the crews tackled the fire, which was extinguished by early afternoon.
The chip shop was unoccupied when the fire started, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said. There were no injuries.
Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy praised the work of the fire service for bringing the fire, which she described as a “major blaze”, under control.
“This major blaze has caused significant damage to homes and business units on the Killylea Road,” the Armagh representative said.
“Thankfully no one was injured and I want to praise the fire service for all their efforts at the scene to make it safe and prevent even more damage being done.
“I will be working hard to ensure these businesses and residents are fully supported in the days and weeks ahead.”
“This is a fire which started in a chip shop. The chip shop was unoccupied when the fire had started,” a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said.
“The fire has affected a number of flats in the area and three other premises.”
Following the noon call, four appliances and a turntable ladder were sent from Armagh, Portadown, Lurgan and Dungannon.
The NIFRS said the fire was brought under control quickly but crews remained on the scene for some hours as a precaution.
