A major industrial estate fire in Bangor, County Down, has forced emergency services to reassess safety conditions after a large blaze tore through part of the Balloo Industrial Estate.
While the immediate danger has reduced, fire crews remain on site as concerns continue around smoke, structural damage, and public safety.
What happened at the Balloo Industrial Estate fire in Bangor?
The fire broke out on Friday evening at Fusco Vehicle Sales, located on Balloo Way within the Balloo Industrial Estate. At its peak, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) deployed eight fire crews to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters used aerial equipment to pour water from height as thick smoke spread across the area, visible from several parts of Bangor. A structural collapse has since been confirmed at the site, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Although the fire has now been largely brought under control, one fire crew will remain on site throughout the day to monitor for flare-ups and assess ongoing risks.
Why is the fire service reassessing the situation now?
According to NIFRS, the reassessment is necessary due to:
- Structural instability following the collapse
- Residual hotspots that could reignite
- Ongoing smoke risks to nearby homes and businesses
A spokesperson confirmed that while the operation has been scaled back, the situation remains under close review to ensure public safety.
Are roads closed, and what advice has been given to residents?
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has urged the public to avoid Balloo Way and the surrounding areas to allow emergency services full access.
🔥🗣️ Aftermath of major fire in Co Down
On Friday afternoon, Fusco Car Dealership in Bangor, at Balloo Industrial Estate, burst into flames
Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service say crews are now reassessing the situation as… pic.twitter.com/tWo1doLCuK
— Cool FM News (@newsoncool) January 10, 2026
Residents living nearby have been advised to:
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Avoid the area unless absolutely necessary
- Follow updates from official channels
Cordons remain in place, and there are currently no reports of injuries, which emergency services and local representatives have described as a major relief.
What have local leaders and business owners said?
Fusco Vehicle Sales confirmed all staff were safe, posting on social media: “Everybody is safe and well, and we will be in touch with all of our customers following advice and guidance from the fire brigade.”
Local politicians also shared their reactions: DUP MLA Stephen Dunne said there was “shock and concern” in the community,
But added: “There was widespread relief and thankfulness that there were no injuries considering the potentially devastating consequences of such a major fire.”
North Down MP Alex Easton praised emergency workers and urged public cooperation: “I want to pay tribute to the firefighters and all emergency personnel responding in difficult circumstances.”
Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan highlighted the speed of the response, saying NIFRS prevented further damage through a “prompt and professional response”.
How serious could this industrial estate fire have been?
The Balloo Industrial Estate is surrounded by multiple commercial units and hundreds of nearby homes. Fire officials and local representatives have stressed that, under different conditions, the outcome could have been far worse.
This incident follows a pattern seen across the UK, where industrial estate fires often pose heightened risks due to fuel loads, machinery, and proximity to residential areas.
