Banbridge: NIFRS issues update as hundreds of livestock rescued from large hay shed fire
Hundreds of sheep and dozens of calves had to be rescued as a large fire engulfed a hay shed in Banbridge.
Emergency services were alerted at just after 9pm on Thursday to the blaze on Cascum Road.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a well-developed hay fire in a shed with approximately 300 sheep and 30 calves. The NIFRS Large Animal Rescue Team led all animals to safety upon arrival.”
At the height of the incident, more than 40 firefighters and other personnel were involved in tackling the fire.
Fire appliances from Banbridge, Dromore, Lurgan, Portadown, Ballynahinch, Rathfriland, Newtownhamilton, Newry, Cadogan, Keady, Whilta, Lisburn and Dungannon fire stations, including a water tanker from Warrenpoint Fire Station and a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station were tasked to the scene.
Crews continued working throughout the night to bring the fire under control
In an update issued shortly after 2pm on Friday, the NIFRS confirmed the incident had ended.
"The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition and the incident was dealt with by 11.50am on Friday, April 3,” the spokesperson said.