Huge scrapyard fire shuts down East Twin Road as 60 firefighters tackle blaze in Belfast

The scene on Sunday afternoon as huge plumes of smoke billowed into the sky from a blaze at a scrapyard in Titanic Quarter, Belfast

(Images: Anne Kelly)

A major firefighting operation is continuing in Belfast after a huge blaze broke out at a scrapyard on East Twin Road, prompting public safety warnings and a significant emergency response.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said 60 firefighters are currently battling the fire at Clearway Metal Recycling, where a large quantity of scrap metal caught alight.

The scale of the incident has led emergency crews to urge people to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed while operations continue.

Massive emergency response launched

In an update issued on Sunday, 24 May, a Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed the fire involved a substantial pile of scrap metal measuring approximately 50 metres by 50 metres.

Nine pumping appliances, an aerial appliance and a high-volume pump have been deployed to the scene as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.

NIFRS said:

“Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are currently engaged in firefighting operations to extinguish a fire in a large quantity of scrap metal at Clearway Metal Recycling, East Twin Road, Belfast.

“A total of 9 pumping appliances, an aerial appliance, high volume pump and 60 firefighters are engaged in firefighting operations.

“The fire is in a pile of scrap metal measuring approximately 50m x 50m.

“Crews are utilising a high volume pump to convey water to the fire”.

Public urged to stay away

The fire service confirmed there have been no reported injuries and that all persons at the site are accounted for.

However, with firefighting operations expected to continue for a considerable period, residents and motorists are being warned to avoid the East Twin Road area while emergency crews remain at work.

NIFRS added:

“There are no reported injuries and all persons are accounted for.

“Operations will continue for some time. Members of the public are encouraged to stay away from East Twin Road and keep windows and doors closed.”

The incident is likely to cause ongoing disruption in the surrounding area as crews continue efforts to fully extinguish the fire and secure the site.