A COMMUNITY in Armagh city have come together to support two families whose homes were destroyed in a suspected gas explosion.
Two properties were gutted in a major fire in Ardmore Avenue on Sunday, while another two houses were damaged by smoke and water from fire-fighting.
Four vehicles and a caravan in the drive-way of one properties were also destroyed in the blaze, which is believed to have been caused by gas cylinders.
However, police and the fire service were yesterday carrying out further investigations at the scene to establish the cause of the blaze.
The fire broke out at around 4.30pm with eye-witnesses recalling how flames could be seen raging through one house before it spread to a neighbouring property.
Eight fire appliances attended the scene, with fire crews working for more than four hours to extinguish the blaze.
The roof of one of the properties caved in due to the fire.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Chris Lally, NIFRS group commander, last night told the Irish News: "Two properties suffered significant damage a well as a number of vehicles.
"Eight appliances and around 35 fire-fighters were involved in the operation."
He added that NIFRS officials were yesterday at the scene following a request by the PSNI to "assist in the investigation".
"We are trying to establish the cause of the incident," he said.
A PSNI spokeswoman also said: "Police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
The aftermath of the destruction was visible yesterday with burnt out shells of vans, a car and a horse trailer in the drive-way of one of the properties.
But members of the community were rallying round those affected with offers of help and donations of items of clothes, furniture and supplies.
A fundraising page has also been established by the online news website, Armagh I, with almost £3,000 already raised last night.
A spokesperson for Armagh I said "we've been overwhelmed by the response from the community already."
Other people offered their support.
One woman said: "Heartbreaking news that the homes and lives of our old neighbours have been devastated this afternoon - just thankful no-one was injured."
Another added: "Heartbroken for the families involved we need too come together as a community and help these people in anyway we can."
To donate to the fundraising page, please visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/armagh-gas-explosion-support.
