A Primark in Belfast was evacuated earlier today following a major fire in the store.
The fire is thought to have broken out at around 11am on the building’s top floor. It then spread quickly throughout the rest of the structure.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) sent 14 appliances and 80 firefighters to tackle the blaze.
Everybody was evacuated from the building safely.
Sky News reports that the Primark, located on Castle Street, was recently refurbished with hopes to hire 100 more staff as part of a major expansion.
Primark Belfast is on fire!!! #primark #belfast pic.twitter.com/bhWXB6oSpd
— Graham (@the_kingisdead) August 28, 2018
80 firefighters have been dealing a major fire which has broken out at Primark in Belfast city centre.
It was reported that the top floor of the historic building was on fire at 11am this morning – which has since spread through the whole building.https://t.co/uhaXI1bT5p pic.twitter.com/9Tx1BwTKxg
— UTV Live News (@UTVNews) August 28, 2018
NIFRS has said that the incident is ongoing.
On Twitter, they said:
“The incident at the Primark building is ongoing and likely to continue throughout the day.
“14 Fire Appliances and 80 Firefighters are currently at the scene. Residents & businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.”
Primark can confirm our Belfast store on Castle Street was safely evacuated today (28 Aug) following a fire on the roof.
— Primark (@Primark) August 28, 2018
Later on Facebook, they added:
“There is a large plume of smoke in the area and residents and businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure.
“Please stay away from the Castle Street/Royal Avenue area whilst the incident is ongoing.”