Firefighters tackle fire at Warrenpoint Harbour
Firefighters are currently tackling a fire on a cargo ship at Warrenpoint Harbour.
It is believed a fire was spotted this morning on a ship carrying over 1000 tonnes of animal feed.
According to reports, local fire fighters attending the scene found two fires.
The area around the fire has been cordoned off while the operation continues but Warrenpoint Harbour stressed that the rest of the port would continue operating as normal.
Speaking to the BBC, a spokeswoman for the Fire Service insisted there was no negative environmental impact or risk to life. “We are providing a specialist operational response and we continue to work closely with the Port Authority and ship’s captain.
“The incident is ongoing, although we do expect it to be concluded during daylight hours today,” she added.
SDLP South Down MLA Karen McKevitt has paid tribute to the fast response of the Fire Service.
Speaking to Newry Times from the scene, McKevitt said, “I have to pay tribute to the quick response and utter professionalism of our brave firefighters who rushed to Warrenpoint Harbour. I understand that the captain of a ship containing animal feed discovered the contents to be smouldering.
“The Fire Service currently has 8 appliances on scene and have doused the container contents with CO2. The harbour is continuing to operate as normal while firefighters deal with the problem.
“This incident once again underlines how vital our fire service is. And yet the draft budget backed by the DUP and Sinn Féin would see this crucial frontline public service bear the pain of savage cuts.
The local SDLP MLA added, “We have a duty to protect those who selflessly protect us. I intend to raise this in the Assembly with the Finance Minister as soon as possible.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=46384