Fire station destroyed - by fire

Investigators are today trying to determine the cause of an overnight blaze that destroyed a fire station.

The alert was raised at Rathfriland fire station in Co Down, at 4.15am today, but the blaze had already taken hold at that stage.

The station was destroyed, as were two fire appliances at the building.

Fire service area commander Don McKay said the local fire crew could only watch as their base was gutted by the blaze.

Support arrived from outside the area and 20 firefighters with four appliances battled with the fire but could not save the station.

Police confirmed an investigation is now under way into the cause of the fire.

There is understood to be no indication of arson, though fire chiefs stressed the inquiry was at an early stage.

“It just goes to show that fire can attack anybody,” said Mr McKay.

“We have measures in place to make sure that we have adequate fire cover in the area.

“So the local community need not worry – a fire appliance will arrive if they need one.”

The fire station in the rural Rathfriland area was empty when the blaze started.

Mr McKay told the BBC that the incident was a little embarrassing, but said it was not the first time a fire station had been damaged by fire and said it underlined how anyone could fall victim.