Primark fire in Belfast city centre ‘fully extinguished’

The charred remains of Bank Buildings, which houses Primark in Belfast city centre. Credit: UTV

Firefighters say the last pockets of fire within Bank Buildings, which houses Primark in Belfast city centre, have been extinguished.

An investigation to establish the cause of the blaze, which broke out near the top of the historic building on Tuesday, is still ongoing.

On Friday evening, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: “The scene has been handed over to Primark, who are managing an outer cordon.

“Fourteen businesses remain closed within the cordoned area.”

Extensive damage has been caused to the Primark building. Credit: UTV

The spokesperson added: “This has been a complex operation and fire crews will maintain a watching brief over the coming days.

“We commend fire crews for their tremendous efforts during this challenging incident, and for saving the refurbished rear extension of the building and adjacent properties.

“We are also grateful for the valuable assistance provided by our multi-agency partners and the support from the public during this time.”

It remains to be seen just how much of the building can be saved following the extensive fire, with hopes that the facade can be restored.

The fire had been burning since Tuesday, although the fire-fighting operation had slowly been scaled back. Credit: UTV

Businesses operating on Castle Street, which remains within the cordoned-off zone, were able to open on Friday, but were continuing to struggle.

They were complimentary about the work of the fire service, but expressed frustration at the continuing cordon.

Paul Donaghy, owner of Cafe West, said he was having to throw fresh produce out as he was not able to sell it.

Paul Donaghy, owner of Cafe West on Castle Street. Credit: PA

“Usually at lunch time we have queues out the door,” he said.

“But many people don’t realise we are open. It has knocked the heart out of me.”

The Oxfam charity shop a few doors down was also struggling.

It previously benefited from a high volume of passing trade from the large Primark store in Bank Buildings.

Manager Tra Walls said she was moving racks of clothes outside the shop door to make the street look more active.

“We are not doing great,” she said. “The customers that have made it to us said they weren’t sure if they could come into the street.”

Volunteer Paddy Mooney and Tra Walls, manager of the Oxfam store. Credit: PA

She added: “We are OK because we get a lot of our stock free, and we have volunteers.

“It is much tougher for businesses with staff to pay.

“I am putting racks of clothes outside to make the street look busier. Hopefully if customers can see activity on the street, they will be more likely to come down.”