More than 40 firefighters called to battle accidental Lisburn Road blaze

By Q Radio News

More than 40 firefighters battled a blaze in a four-storey apartment block for over two hours on the Lisburn Road yesterday.

Fire crews arrived on the scene between Windsor Road and Ethel Street at 2.22pm yesterday and managed to bring the flames under control by 5.07pm.

Over 40 Firefighters are currently dealing with a fire involving a 3 storey building on the Lisburn Road, Belfast. 6 Fire Appliances along with 3 Specialist Appliances are in attendance. The call was received at 2.22pm today. The Lisburn Road is closed. The incident is ongoing. pic.twitter.com/TVPDY8HYRz

— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) May 18, 2021

The busy Belfast road, which is one of the city’s main arteries, was partially closed until 5.30pm, when firefighters had extinguished the flames, which investigators believe were sparked accidentally.

(Fire crews were called to the scene at 2.22pm - pic by Alan Lewis)

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Spokesperson said:

“The fire was brought under control at 5.07pm by firefighters using breathing apparatus and wearing specialist working at height equipment. The cause of fire was identified as accidental

“The Lisburn road which had been closed for a period has now reopened, but with some restrictions in place. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution in the area,” they added.

Translink said at the time Metro 9 services had been diverted via Eglantine Avenue and Malone Road in both directions as a result of the blaze.

(The Lisburn Road was reopened by 5.30pm - pic by Alan Lewis)