Lightning confirmed as cause of Strabane fire

The family who own a coffin-making business destroyed in a fire in Strabane have said they are “absolutely devastated” but relieved no one was injured.

Firefighters remain at the building on Railway Street on Monday and the road remains closed.

Up to 80 firefighters were at the scene when the fire was at its peak on Sunday. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services has confirmed the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

There had been a weather warning in place at the time.

Charlie Tighe, who lives in the adjacent building, said there was some damage caused to the back of his house but he was thankful his family home was saved.

"I'm very grateful to the fire service," he told UTV.

"I'm very sorry for the O'Doherty family, I've known them and they've been neighbours all my life and the family have been in that business for three generations, over 100 years.

"Both premises are over 100 years old, my grandfather built this property back in 1910. I was born and bred here and I was devastated when I came up this street yesterday to see what was happening.”

A statement from Manus and Charles O’Doherty on behalf of O'Doherty & Sons, the business owners, described their devastation.

“As a family we are absolutely devastated that a fire has destroyed our much loved family business on Railway Street in Strabane on Sunday.

“We are relieved that no one was hurt or injured in this fire.

The statement continued: “We would like to thank the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for attending the fire, for getting it under control, for saving neighbouring properties and for protecting our community.

“We would also like to thank our employees, customers, suppliers, the public, and local businesses for their many messages of support at this tough time.

“We will take the next few days to reflect on what happened and plan for the future along with our dedicated and hardworking staff.”