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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

More than 40 firefighters called to tackle huge port fire in Derry

A fire that teared through a premises at Foyle Port in Derry on Wednesday has now been extinguished.

Large plumes of smoke could be seen across the city coming from the Strathfoyle area.

Firefighters rushed to the blaze, which saw several business premises evacuated on Wednesday morning.

The fire began at a large grain shed.

Crews from four surrounding stations, including Derry, Limavady, Dungiven and Coleraine were all called to the incident on the Port Road just before 11am.

A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue spokesperson said it took 46 personnel, and 12 fire engines, including high reach aerial appliances and a command support vehicle, to extinguish the fire.

Group Commander William Johnston, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "At the height of the incident, fifteen appliances and approximately sixty Firefighters were in attendance, including high reach aerial appliances and a command support vehicle.

"Our Firefighters worked quickly to bring the incident under control, wearing breathing apparatus and using a range of jets to extinguish the fire.

“I am pleased to say that there were no casualties and the swift action of crews ensured that neighbouring properties were protected and damage was minimised.

"The incident was dealt with by 7.35pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"We worked closely with the PSNI and the Harbour Master at Foyle Port throughout the incident and I would like to thank them for their assistance throughout.”

Sinn Fein councillor, Sean Fleming, praised the swift action of the emergency services.

He added: “There was  concern in the local community here at the scale of this fire and if it could spread.

“Thankfully the wind direction kept the large plumes of smoke away from local homes along with the efforts of the fire service.

“I would like to pay tribute to the fire service for the work they carried here in preventing it from spreading.”

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