Dozens of firefighters tackle shoe shop blaze in Newtownards

Almost 50 firefighters tackled a blaze at a shop in Newtownards which threatened to spread to neighbouring properties.

The fire broke out at a shoe shop in Conway Square early on Friday. It is believed to have started accidentally.

A number of nearby streets were closed while the operation was carried out.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said its officers were in attendance from 6.32am.

Group Commander Andy Burns said: “A fire at a commercial premises in Conway Square in Newtownards has now been dealt with.

“Firefighters were in attendance from 6.32am this morning.

“At the height of the incident, approximately 48 firefighters attended the scene, along with two fire appliances from Newtownards Fire Station, two fire appliances from Bangor Fire Station, one fire appliance from Comber Fire Station, one fire appliance from Knock Fire Station, one fire appliance from Donaghadee Fire Station, an aerial appliance from Knock Fire Station and the command support unit from Lisburn Fire Station.

“Seven officers were also in attendance.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used six jets to extinguish the fire.

“Due to the tireless efforts of our firefighters, the fire was brought under control which prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we dealt with the incident.

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental and the incident was dealt with by 4.48pm.

“There were no injuries and the scene has now been left with PSNI.”