Concern as huge blaze erupts at industrial estate in Co Down with 8 fire engines on scene as public urged to avoid area

DUP MLA for North Down Stephen Dunne said the fire has caused considerable concern within the local community
FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a blaze at an industrial estate in Bangor.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said there are eight engines on site at the incident on Balloo Way.

The initial call was made to emergency services at 3.34pm on Friday.

The PSNI advised people to avoid Balloo Way due to the fire, as images on social media showed large plumes of smoke.

They said: “Emergency services are currently at the scene and residents are advised to keep windows closed due to smoke.”

North Down MP Alex Easton said he “hopes and prays” no one has been hurt in the “significant” fire.

“I want to pay tribute to the firefighters and all emergency personnel responding in difficult circumstances,” he said.

He added: “My thoughts are with everyone involved, including those working to bring this incident under control.”

Bangor by the Sea took to Facebook to warn motorists about delays.

They said: “If you’re travelling home from work, please avoid the Balloo industrial estate area if possible and consider using an alternative route, as there may be heavy traffic delays, emergency vehicles accessing the scene, road restrictions/diversions or smoke in the area.

“Please give emergency crews space to work and do not attempt to pass through the affected area.

“If you’re nearby, please keep windows closed and take extra care.”

LOCAL CONCERN

DUP MLA for North Down Stephen Dunne said the fire has caused considerable concern within the local community.

He told the BBC’s Evening Extra programme: “At this time in the evening traffic is always quite considerable and the heavy, thick smoke has added to that traffic congestion.

Mr Dunne said the fire was in a “very central location”.

He said: “It’s mainly made up of factories and car dealerships and the local recycling centre is there and quite a number of businesses.”

He added that “a number of employees” were based in the area and there was “quite a lot of residential housing in close proximity to the fire”.