NIFRS reveals cause of devastating fire at Corries Meats farm site
The cause of a devastating fire at Corries Meats farm near Newtownards is believed to be accidental ignition, the NIFRS has said.
Over 50 firefighters and personnel were involved at the height of the incident at Crossnamuckley Road.
The initial call was received at 7.14pm on Saturday 11th April. Fire appliances from Bangor, Lisburn, Newtownards, Knock, Comber, Holywood, Donaghadee, Glengormley, Banbridge, Ballywalter, Cadogan, Springfield and Carryduff Fire Stations were involved; as well a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station, a water tanker from Warrenpoint Fire Station and an aerial appliance from Knock Fire Station.
In a statement, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition, and the incident was dealt with by 8.01am on Sunday 12th April.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we dealt with the incident,” they added.
The food production facility for Hellbent, owned by former Ulster Rugby player, Louis Ludik, was also destroyed in the fire. In a social media post, the business revealed they had lost their equipment, stock and the building, adding it was “a significant blow”.
THANKS TO NIFRS
In a statement, the Corrie family said they were devastated but overwhelmed by the messages of support they had received.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the fire service, along with all others who worked tirelessly and bravely to tackle the blaze. While the building could not be saved, we are incredibly relieved and grateful that no-one was harmed and nearby homes were protected,” they said.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, kindness, and offers of help. There are so many people to thank, and we wouldn’t want to miss anyone, but please know how truly grateful we are to each and every one of you.”
The family asked that the public avoids the farm shop site as it remains unsafe but added that all other outlets would open and operate as normal.
Messages of sympathy and support came from large swathes of the public and business communities, including Cordners shoe retailers in Newtownards and Ballymoney, Quails Fine Foods in Banbridge, and Newtownards Chamber of Commerce which said it was very sorry to hear about the tragedy.
“On behalf of the businesses at Ards Chamber of Trade, we reach out to offer our support to you and the team,” they said in a post on social media.
“Please know that you’re not alone – the local business community is behind you, and we’re here to help in any way we can as you navigate the road ahead,” they added.
