Emergency services respond to incident in Ballymena

Photo: Andy Leckey

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were tasked to the scene of a fire at 9.55am this morning (Thursday 16 September) at Rococo premises on Mill Street, Ballymena.

An eyewitness said there was lots of smoke rising out of the building and coming out the front door.

Two Fire Appliances from Ballymena Fire Station and two Fire Appliances from Antrim Fire Station attended the incident.

A spokesperson for NIFRS said:

“Firefighters attended the scene of a kitchen fire at a non-residential property this morning.

“Firefighters using breathing apparatus used a hose heel to extinguish the fire. The incident was dealt with by 11am and is being treated as accidental ignition at this time.”

Rococo Director Daryl Adams told Love Ballymena it has been a stressful morning but he relieved that no one was hurt:

“Thankfully, everybody is safe and unhurt. The fire started in the kitchen and the kitchen area is badly damaged. The front of house is smoke damaged. We are now assessing the damage and hope to be back open soon.”

Photos: Chanelle Moran

Translink advised customers that town centre bus services had been impacted due to the fire:

“Town services 324 A/C/D will not be able to serve the stop at Wellington Street and will instead operate via Georges Street / State Cinema stops.”

It is understood bus services have now returned to normal.