Firefighters are battling a major blaze at an industrial unit in Belfast, with thick black smoke visible for miles across the city. The fire broke out at a metal recycling facility in the Titanic Quarter, sending a towering column of smoke into the sky.
Fire at Clearway Industrial Estate
The inferno started at around 1:30 pm at the Clearway industrial estate on East Twin Road. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has warned that the blaze may not be brought under control for some time and advised local residents to keep all doors and windows closed.
Witness Accounts
Footage posted on social media showed a man running along the dockside with flames towering behind him. Witness Nathan Wilson said the man had come from a boat to tie it up before running back to safety. Passengers on a cruise ship docked at the port were also told to go inside. One passenger wrote on X: 'Sitting on cruise ship – was sunning it, now told to go inside.'
Emergency Response
NIFRS stated: 'IFRS are currently engaged in firefighting operations to extinguish a fire in a large quantity of scrap metal at East Twin Road, Belfast. Operations will continue for some time. Members of the public are encouraged to stay away from the area and keep windows and doors closed.' The fire does not appear to be affecting Belfast City Airport, with flights continuing as normal.
Road Closures and Advice
Belfast Harbour Police added: 'We're working closely with PSNI, NIFRS, and staff of Clearway Disposals, following the outbreak of a fire at its facility. Queen's Road is closed to traffic and pedestrians. We advise local residents to keep windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area.' The cause of the fire is not yet known.
