Crossgar fire tackled by 50 firefighters and nine appliances

Fifty firefighters had to tackle a blaze at a well known Co Down restaurant today.

The fire, at AJ’s Diner in Crossgar, saw nine appliances, including an aerial appliance, called to the scene with breathing apparatus teams sent into the building to tackle the flames.

Pictures from the scene showed a significant operation which has been ongoing since shortly after lunchtime today. Smoke is seen billowing from the rear of the building and some windows to the front as the aerial appliance showers the area with water.

Firefighters believe the blaze was centred on a kitchen-storeroom area in the building. An investigation is now underway to establish the cause of the fire.

The main road through Crossgar, Downpatrick Street, was closed for a period of time today.

In a brief statement issued earlier this evening, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently in attendance at an ongoing incident at AJ’s Diner, Crossgar. At the height of the incident approx. 50 Firefighters were on scene, including 9 pumping appliances.

“The fire has now been contained and NIFRS are working as quickly as possible to make the scene safe; however there may be some ongoing disruption to the local community.”

Terry Andrews, a councillor in the area, said firefighters had been tackling the blaze since around 2pm. He added: “Very sorry and saddened to see this. My thoughts and prayers are very much with the owners and all impacted by what’s happened this afternoon. So sad to see what’s happened.”

MLA Colin McGrath added: “I am shocked to see the scale of the fire at the restaurant in Crossgar. It is a very popular spot and well regarded. I hope that the team can overcome this quickly and get reopened.”

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References

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