Fire crews have spent overnight battling a significant blaze at a waste management facility in Carryduff, Co Down. The incident, which produced large plumes of black smoke visible across the region, has prompted emergency warnings for local residents and disrupted traffic on the Hillsborough Road.
Emergency Response and Current Status
The fire broke out on Sunday evening at the Irish Waste site located on the Hillsborough Road in Carryduff. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to the emergency, deploying crews from across parts of Down and Antrim starting at approximately 9:45 pm on Sunday.
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night and continued their efforts into Monday morning to bring the blaze under control. In a statement, an NIFRS spokesperson expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we deal with this incident.”
Public Safety Warnings and Local Impact
Due to the nature of the materials at the waste site and the resulting smoke, the NIFRS issued specific safety guidance to the surrounding community. Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid smoke inhalation, and members of the public were asked to avoid the area to ensure firefighting operations could proceed without interference.
Political and Community Reaction
The scale of the incident has drawn concern from local representatives. Belfast South MLA Katie Nicholl described the images of the facility on fire as “very concerning,” labeling the incident a “massive blaze” and offering her support to the fire brigade dealing with the scene.
Local Councillor Brian Higginson also highlighted the risks to motorists, advising those passing along the Hillsborough Road to take extra care while the emergency operation was ongoing.
About the Irish Waste Facility
The site involved is operated by Irish Waste, a long-standing company that was recently acquired by Enva. The organization operates across three different sites in Northern Ireland, where it manages the collection, recycling, treatment, and recovery of both non-hazardous and hazardous waste.
Key Takeaways: Carryduff Waste Site Fire
- Location: Irish Waste facility, Hillsborough Road, Carryduff, Co Down.
- Timeline: Started Sunday evening; crews deployed at 9:45 pm; operations continued Monday morning.
- Agency Response: NIFRS crews from Down and Antrim.
- Public Advice: Residents were told to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the immediate area.
- Company Context: The site is operated by Irish Waste, a company recently acquired by Enva.
Looking Ahead
As firefighting efforts continue, the focus will likely shift toward identifying the cause of the blaze and assessing the environmental impact of the smoke and runoff. Authorities continue to monitor the site to prevent reignition and ensure the safety of the Carryduff community.