Emergency services declared a major incident in Bangor, County Down, on Friday afternoon after a significant fire erupted at an industrial estate. Thick plumes of grey smoke were seen billowing across the city, prompting urgent safety warnings for the local community.
Emergency Response to Balloo Way Blaze
The alarm was raised on Friday 09 January 2026, with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service dispatching a substantial force to the scene. Eight fire crews from five different stations were mobilised to tackle the intense flames, which had taken hold of a building on the Balloo Way industrial estate. Initial reports indicated the fire was at a car dealership premises.
Public Safety Warnings Issued
Due to the vast amount of smoke produced by the blaze, the Police Service of Northern Ireland advised members of the public to stay well clear of the area. Residents were also instructed to keep their windows and doors closed as a precaution. Footage from the scene showed the roof of a large building completely engulfed in flames, with the cause of the fire not immediately known.
While officials have not confirmed the origin, early speculation from the scene suggested a potential boiler explosion may have been the catalyst for the devastating fire. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon to bring the situation under control.
Fire Brought Under Control
By Friday evening, after hours of concerted effort, the fire service reported that the blaze was largely subdued. Local politicians, who had been briefed on the emergency, described it as a 'major incident' occurring in a 'central location' for the town. Their statements underscored the seriousness of the event and its impact on the community.
The incident caused significant disruption in the area, with road closures and emergency service activity centred on Balloo Way. No immediate reports of injuries have been released, but a full investigation into the cause and the total extent of the damage is expected to commence once the site is made safe.
