Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday afternoon
Staff at a well-known Bangor business had a lucky escape on Friday after a major fire broke out at the premises.
No injuries have been reported following the blaze at Fusco Vehicle Sales in the Balloo Industrial Estate, which started at around 3.30pm.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service dispatched eight crews to the scene in Co Down city. The PSNI also attended and set up two police cordons in the Balloo Way area as firefighters dealt with the blaze. Local residents were advised to keep windows closed due to large plumes of smoke.
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In a statement, Fusco Vehicle Sales said: “Folks we need to let everybody know following some social media posts that we have had a fire in our workshop which is now under control.
“Everybody is safe and well and we will be in touch with all of our customers following advice and guidance from the fire brigade. We really appreciate everybody’s understanding and patience.”
The NIFRS said the initial call was made to emergency services at 3.34pm on Friday. Two appliances from Bangor Fire Station, one from Newtownards, one from Knock, one from Holywood and two appliances from Lisburn Fire Station attended the incident.
Alliance North Down MLA Connie Egan praised the fire service for their ‘prompt and professional response, which she said could have caused even more damage had they not managed to bring it under control quickly.
The North Down member added: “This was a very major fire and has obviously caused quite a lot of concern to those living nearby. My thoughts are with the team at Fusco, who will be incredibly distressed. I just hope that no one has been injured as a result.”
North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne expressed his relief that everyone was safe and well following the incident: “My thoughts are with the staff and management at Fusco Group at what will undoubtedly be a worrying time. The Fusco group are significant local employers and have been for many years within the Bangor area.
“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and the PSNI for their swift, professional and coordinated response, which ensured the situation was brought under control quickly and safely.
“There are a lot of local businesses within the Balloo area and many homes also in close proximity to the fire. This fire had the potential to have devastating consequences so we can be very thankful that it was able to be brought under control thanks to the swift response of our emergency services.”
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