Firefighters move in to extinguish Derry blaze

Contractors have moved in to gain access for firefighters to the blaze which has been burning for over two days at the former Brickkiln waste management plant at Lisahally on the outskirts of Derry.

Tens of thousands of tons of household waste has been burning in a large warehouse at the site on Electra Road since it was discovered at around 8.30am on Wednesday.

Because of the nature of the materials involved and the dangerous condition of the building, firefighters have been restricted in tackling the blaze.

Eleven fire appliances are currently on site including two high volume pumps, an aerial appliance and a command support unit.

However, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said crews were now able to access the building after contractors removed the roof and external panels of the building.

A spokesperson added: “This will give firefighters better access to the seat of the fire to continue to extinguish the fire.”

To facilitate the operation, Maydown Road remains closed and motorists are being advised to avoid the area as the operation is likely to continue over the weekend.

The spokesperson added: “Although the smoke plume from the fire has decreased in size, NIFRS continues to advise householders and premises in the area to keep windows and doors closed.

“Windy conditions remain on the weather forecast and people need to be vigilant to a change in wind direction, keeping windows and doors closed.” The Fire Service is working closely with the site owners, NI Environment Agency, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland Electricity and Derry City and Strabane District Council in the ongoing management of the incident.

The NIFRS spokesperson added “Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service continues to thank the local community in the area for their understanding as Firefighters deal with this incident. “The cause of the fire remains under investigation.”