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Emergency services at the scene of cannabis factory fire in Co Down
A house fire in Newry alerted police to existence of a cannabis factory after the fire service discovered the drug and paraphernalia.
The house fire got underway on Thomas Street in Bessbrook on Sunday shortly before 4.30pm. Four fire engines from Newry, Banbridge, and Warrenpoint attended the blaze.
The Belfast Telegraph understands when firefighters in breathing apparatus entered a property, they discovered a cannabis factory on the ground floor.
Some neighbouring residents evacuated their homes as firefighters dealt with the incident.
Emergency services deal with a fire at a cannabis factory in the Thomas Street area of Bessbrook on January 18th 2026 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
There was no-one in the house and no injuries reported after the fire service extinguished the blaze.
Inspector Walker said: “Officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire and advised police there was a substantial amount of cannabis and associated paraphernalia within the property.
“Thankfully, there was no one in the house at the time and no injuries were reported. I would like to reassure the local community once again that there was no ongoing risk to the public from the fire and that the scene was subsequently made safe.
“The fire is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and our enquiries are ongoing.
“Targeting the supply of drugs is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and we would appeal to anyone who has any information which could be of assistance to contact our non-emergency number on 101, quoting reference number 870 of 18/01/25.
“Alternatively, you can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Kevin Scott at the scene:
I understand from crews at the scene that the fire started accidentally in the upstairs of the property.
Emergency services deal with a fire at a cannabis factory in the Thomas Street area of Bessbrook on January 18th 2026 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
No one was in the small house at the time; as I stand at the front door, I can see a number of the plants in the living room of the property remaining unaffected.
Northern Ireland Electricity have arrived at the scene at 7pm where they are looking to isolate the electric supply.
Forensic teams have been tasked to the scene and are expected in the next few hours.