A substantial amount of monetary damage has been caused following a huge blaze close to the M1 this weekend, the PSNI has said.
Emergency services were called to an industrial complex at Derrycorry North off the Blackisland Road in Annaghmore, Co Armagh, just after 10pm on Saturday night, August 6.
Fire crews had to deal with a large quantity of hay bales on fire and remained on the scene on Sunday morning working to bring the fire under control.
READ MORE: Firefighters remain at scene of blaze near M1 as public urged to stay away
Inspector McCullough said: “Our officers, along with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended. It is our understanding that a large amount of hay bales sparked ignition resulting in the blaze. A substantial amount of monetary damage has been caused. Our colleagues from the Fire Service remain at the scene and are expected to as they continue to control the fire. There are no further details at this time.”
NIFRS Group Commander Paul Gould told Belfast Live: "We are still there, this is an ongoing incident on the Blackisland Road near Portadown.
"This is a fire involving a large quantity of hay and for fire crews the operations are still ongoing and they will continue this morning. We would ask the public to stay away from the area while we try to resolve the incident."
Last night NIFRS Area Commander, Mark Smith, said they had six pumping appliances at the site, two of which are foam jets. There were also two large water tankers and a high volume pump tackling the blaze.
He said there were four officers in attendance, as well as roughly 55 personnel. As the fire is ongoing, he has asked for people to stay away from the area as crews work extremely hard to extinguish the blaze.
People living nearby told Belfast Live they heard a "large explosion" in the area at around 10pm as the fire took hold. Dramatic images from the scene show flames lighting up the sky.
READ NEXT:
- PSNI launch murder investigation after disappearance of NI man
- Police appeal for information following sexual assault on teenage girl
- Coalisland firearm incident leads to two arrests
- Arrest after police helicopter tasked to find teen who 'drove off' from officer
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
