Blaze at an old garage in Portadown was started deliberately, say firefighters
A fire at a garage in Portadown was started deliberately, a spokesperson for the NI Fire and Rescue Service says.
It is understood the fire was at an old garage shed in Hartford St not far from Portadown Health Centre.
A number of fire appliances attended the scene however there were no reports of anyone injured.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service said it received a call regarding the fire at 2.18pm on Thursday 13 August 2026.
One Appliance from Portadown Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Lurgan Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Banbridge Fire Station and 1 Aerial Appliance from Springfield Fire Station are currently in attendance.
A spokesperson said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 2 hose reel jets and 1 jet to extinguish the fire.
"The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the scene was handed over to the PSNI. Firefighters left the incident at 4.27pm,” she said.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Lavelle McIlrath revealed that it appears an old garage shed on Hartford street is on fire.
The DUP politician said: "I am not sure of the cause yet but everyone is ok in the area.”
“A nearby car sales business had to pull cars back and stay clear until the fire was brought under control,” he said.
Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley said: “The fire at a shed at the bottom of Harford Street, Portadown, has now been extinguished.
"A big thank you to the Fire and Rescue Service for their quick response and action. The shed is in close proximity to a number of homes and businesses, and this incident could have been much worse had it not been dealt with so quickly.
"Whilst the motive is not known at this stage, I will be following up with the PSNI to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
"Thank you again to our firefighters for their swift response and for helping to keep the local community safe.”