Belfast fire: Smoke billows from roof of Primark top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up to receive our rundown of the day'sdirect to your inbox When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. The fire service received a call at 11am this morning, Tuesday August 28 that the top floor of the five-storey Primark building was on fire in the centre of Belfast. Heavy smoke, reaching at least 50 feet, could be seen across the city and firefighters battled the flames in Castle Street. Eight fire engines from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and an aerial appliance were brought in to tackle the blaze - there have been no reported injuries. Shoppers and staff on a busy Tuesday morning were evacuated from the historic building, which has recently undergone refurbishment. The Primark in Belfast has erupted into flames The fire caused the historic, iconic clock on the Primark building to fall off. Parts of the roof collapsed as thick black smoke and fire then travelled through the rest of the shop. Crowds gathered outside the building to watch the historic building in flames. The High Street, Bridge Street and Royal Avenue in Belfast were also closed due to the Primark fire. Devastating news particularly following the recent refurbishments and extension PUP councillor JulieAnn Corr-Johnston The authorities cordoned off the building and kept the crowds at a distance. The shop has recently been on a recruitment drive in a bid to attract 100 more staff for its bigger shop, which was due to be opened by the end of the year. Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor George Dorian tweeted: “First of all hoping everyone is safe at the ongoing fire situation in Primark in Belfast City Centre. "Have asked council officers what we can be doing practically to support employees and others directly affected by the situation now and going forward.” Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) councillor JulieAnn Corr-Johnston told Belfast Live: "The Primark building in Belfast City Centre has caught fire. Emergency services are responding. Firefighters tackle the flames in Belfast after a fire erupted "Devastating news particularly following the recent refurbishments and extension! "Hope everyone has made it out safely." Chris Woodhouse tweeted a video of the flames pouring out of the window and said: “Major blaze at Bank Buildings in Belfast City Centre.” Dani McAteer tweeted: “Primark in Belfast currently on fire look like its coming from the stock rooms, loads of fire engines at the scene.” Joan McCoy, president of the Royal Society of Architects (RSUA), said: "Thankfully there are no reports of any injuries arising from this major fire but it is a sad day for Belfast. "Buildings like these help give Belfast its unique identity and character. "The Bank Building is a very important part of the city's architectural heritage and is loved by many. "This building has survived bombs and fire before. We can only hope that the damage is not too severe and that the building can be saved." A firefighter tackles the Primark fire in central Belfast A Primark spokesman said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the fire today at our Bank Buildings store in Belfast city centre. The safety and wellbeing of our customers, colleagues and construction team is of course the most important consideration and we are truly relieved that all were evacuated safely. We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response and ongoing actions. "Our store is housed in an iconic building and much loved by the people of Belfast. We would like to reassure our customers, colleagues and the wider community in Belfast that we are committed to working with the authorities and our building contractors to establish the cause of the fire. Police offices watch the fire engulf the historic building "We are working closely with our team in Belfast to ensure they are fully supported during this challenging period. We would like to thank everybody for their support during this difficult time.” Michael Graham, assistant chief fire and rescue officer, said his crews had been battling the blaze for six hours. Mr Graham said: "It has been a long and arduous six hours for them but we will continue to fight the fire until we extinguish it. "It is one of the biggest we have experienced in the last two to three years." Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Michael Graham<doc-sep>Primark evacuated in Belfast following major fire in store A Primark in Belfast was evacuated earlier today following a major fire in the store. The fire is thought to have broken out at around 11am on the building's top floor. It then spread quickly throughout the rest of the structure. Advertisement The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) sent 14 appliances and 80 firefighters to tackle the blaze. Everybody was evacuated from the building safely. Sky News reports that the Primark, located on Castle Street, was recently refurbished with hopes to hire 100 more staff as part of a major expansion. 80 firefighters have been dealing a major fire which has broken out at Primark in Belfast city centre. It was reported that the top floor of the historic building was on fire at 11am this morning - which has since spread through the whole building.https://t.co/uhaXI1bT5p pic.twitter.com/9Tx1BwTKxg — UTV Live News (@UTVNews) August 28, 2018 Advertisement NIFRS has said that the incident is ongoing. On Twitter, they said: "The incident at the Primark building is ongoing and likely to continue throughout the day. "14 Fire Appliances and 80 Firefighters are currently at the scene. Residents & businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed." Primark can confirm our Belfast store on Castle Street was safely evacuated today (28 Aug) following a fire on the roof. — Primark (@Primark) August 28, 2018 Advertisement Later on Facebook, they added: "There is a large plume of smoke in the area and residents and businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure. "Please stay away from the Castle Street/Royal Avenue area whilst the incident is ongoing."<doc-sep>The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Get email updates with the day's biggest stories Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice A huge fire has broken out at a Primark store in Belfast, with shoppers evacuated from the historic building after smelling smoke. The building has been completely engulfed by flames as witnesses said they can 'hear the structure collapsing into itself.' The fire service has since confirmed that there are ‘structural concerns’. Flames were initially seen coming from the top of the 233 year-old Bank Buildings after the blaze started at around 11am. Up to 100 firefighters and 14 Fire Appliances battled the blaze, with dramatic footage showing smoke pouring out of the roof. (Image: Sarah Scott/Twitter) (Image: PA) (Image: PA) The multi-floored building, which has recently undergone refurbishment, has seen the roof collapse as the flames took hold. Witnesses said they heard a number of loud bangs as the fire ripped across the roof and could feel the heat of the flames from behind the police cordon on the ground. Multiple fire crews could be seen in one of the main shopping areas of Castle Street, as shoppers gazed at the roaring flames from the street below. Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@trinitymirror.com (Image: PA) (Image: Sarah Scott/Twitter) In one image taken from above the buildings, orange flames could be seen amongst the thick smoke . The historic clock attached to its facade has also tumbled off. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service are using an aerial appliance to access the source of the blaze. (Image: PA) Shoppers inside the store said they began smelling smoke while shopping. Taking to Twitter, Erin said: "As if I got evacuated from Primark cause it's on fire. "Walking around I'm going "I smell smoke". Ciara Colhoun, a reporter at Belfast Live, said: "You can feel the heat from behind the police cordon. People saying it is so sad to see the historic building in flames. "Couple of loud bangs in last 30 seconds. Suggestion of has cylinders." Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now A helicopter is also reported to be at the scene. The Bank Buildings were designed by Sir Robert Taylor and erected by Waddell Cunningham in 1785. The original bank opened in 1787 under the name of 'The Bank of the Four Johns', as all four founders were named John. After the bank collapsed, the building was used as the residence of the Bishop of Down and Connor. (Image: PA) (Image: National Library of Ireland on The Commons - Castle Junction, Belfast) In 1805, it was converted into a shop, and has remained an outlet for retail ever since. Primark took over the building in 1979. The area immediately outside the building was used as an execution spot for criminals before the practice came to an end in 1816. PUP Councillor JulieAnn Corr-Johnston told Belfast Live: "The Primark building in Belfast City Centre has caught fire. Emergency services are responding. "Devastating news particularly following the recent refurbishments and extension! "Hope everyone has made it out safely." A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said in an updated statement just before 5pm: “Up to 100 Firefighters have been at the scene of a major fire at the Primark building in Castle Street, Belfast today. "Fourteen Fire Appliances, a High Volume Pump, 3 Aerial Appliances and 2 Command Support Units are in attendance. “Fire has extensively damaged the Primark building in Belfast City Centre which started on the fifth floor of the five-storey building before spreading to all floors. "Fire-fighting is ongoing and will continue into the evening. "Residents and businesses in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke in the vicinity. (Image: PA) “Whilst the incident is ongoing, NIFRS wishes to reassure the public that contingency measures are in place to ensure normal service delivery is maintained across Belfast.” Firefighters were reportedly telling crowds to move back as they battled the blaze. Workers and those living in buildings surrounding the fire said they saw flames "shooting up high". Gerry Johnston, who works nearby, wrote on Twitter: "Flames were shooting up high a few minutes ago. Fire fighters seem to be controlling it a bit at least." Emer Hinphey said: "Looks like a bad fire at the Primark building in Belfast City Centre. Seeing the Fire Fighters move across to the roof is a scary reminder of the amazing and risky job they do." A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said: “Motorists are advised to avoid the Castle Street area of Belfast following a report of a fire at commercial premises this morning (Tuesday 28th August). HISTORIC BUILDING WAS ORIGINALLY 'THE BANK OF FOUR JOHNS' The Bank Buildings on Castle Street were designed by Sir Robert Taylor and erected by Waddell Cunningham in 1785, built in red Dumfries sandstone. The original bank opened in 1787 under the name of "The Bank of the Four Johns", as all four founders went by the name. The bank's finances eventually collapsed, and the building was later used as the residence of the Bishop of Down and Connor, the Rev Dr William Dickson. During the time of public executions, the road in front of the building was used for executing criminals, and in 1816, the last public execution was carried out on its doorstep. Reports say the last three people to be hanged were weavers who had twice attacked the home of their employer, Francis Johnston, in an argument over wages. In 1805, the building was converted into a shop. In 1853, William Robertson and Henry Hawkins from Waterford, JC Ledlie from Cork, and Robert Ferguson of Belfast, founded a wholesale drapery business, which became a department store. In 1900, the ground and first floors of the building underwent a major redesign, and architect WH Lynn allowed for large plate glass windows to be installed in the lower floors. Until 1961, only the ground and first floors were used as a shop, the remainder of the building was taken up by the warehouse. Later that year, the Bank Buildings underwent total renovation, with a modernised main entrance added at Castle Junction, and the pillars on the ground floor removed. On April 9, 1975, three bombs exploded in the Bank Buildings and a fire broke out causing extensive damage. In 1979, the Bank Buildings were taken over by Primark, who refurbished the building and restored the exterior, they have operated in the building ever since. “Diversions are currently in place at Bridge Street and High Street, Castle Street and Queens Street and Royal Avenue and North Street to allow Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to deal with the incident. “Motorists are advised to seek alternative main routes for their journey.” Primark CEO Paul Marchant said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the fire today at our Bank Buildings store in Belfast city centre. "The safety and wellbeing of our customers, colleagues and construction team is of course the most important consideration and we are truly relieved that all were evacuated safely. We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response and ongoing actions. “Our store is housed in an iconic building and much loved by the people of Belfast. We would like to reassure our customers, colleagues and the wider community in Belfast that we are committed to working with the authorities and our building contractors to establish the cause of the fire. “We are working closely with our team in Belfast to ensure they are fully supported during this challenging period. We would like to thank everybody for their support during this difficult time.”<doc-sep>
Staff and shoppers have been evacuated from a Primark store in Belfast after a large fire broke out on the roof of the building. The blaze began at about 11am - and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has sent 14 appliances and as many as 100 firefighters to the scene in the Castle Street district of the city. Ambulance crews are also in attendance but there are no reports of any injuries, and the public has been advised to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing. Image: Primark is in the Bank Buildings designed by Sir Robert Taylor and erected by Waddell Cunningham in 1785 A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesman said: "Fourteen fire appliances, a high volume pump, three aerial appliances and two command support units are in attendance. "Fire has extensively damaged the Primark building in Belfast city centre which started on the fifth floor of the five-storey building before spreading to all floors. "Firefighting is ongoing and will continue into the evening. Residents and businesses in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke in the vicinity. "While the incident is ongoing, NIFRS wishes to reassure the public that contingency measures are in place to ensure normal service delivery is maintained across Belfast." Image: Flames and smoke from a major blaze which has broken out at the Primark store in Belfast city centre Image: Eleven fire appliances have been sent to the scene Primark chief executive Paul Marchant said the retailer was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the fire. "The safety and wellbeing of our customers, colleagues and construction team is of course the most important consideration and we are truly relieved that all were evacuated safely," he added. "We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response and ongoing actions. "Our store is housed in an iconic building and much loved by the people of Belfast. We would like to reassure our customers, colleagues and the wider community in Belfast that we are committed to working with the authorities and our building contractors to establish the cause of the fire." Image: Primark confirmed that the store was evacuated. Pic: Emmet McEvoy According to local councillor Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston, the store had only recently been refurbished. She tweeted: "The Primark building in Belfast City Centre has caught fire. Emergency services are responding. "Devastating news particularly following the recent refurbishments and extension." Just last week, Belfast Live reported that the store was seeking to hire 100 people to staff a major expansion, which was set to add 30,000 sq ft of retail space at a cost of £30m. Smoke can be seen billowing from the building from across the city, with residents and local business owners advised to keep their windows and doors shut and police putting multiple traffic diversions in place. Image: Smoke can be seen from across the city. Pic: Emmet McEvoy Motorists are asked not to use Bridge Street, High Street, Castle Street, Queens Street, Royal Avenue and North Street to allow fire crews to deal with the blaze. Primark is among the famous old Bank Buildings of Belfast, which were designed by Sir Robert Taylor. They were erected by Waddell Cunningham in 1785, with the original bank opening two years later under the unusual name of The Bank of the Four Johns - because all four of its founders were called John. When the bank collapsed, it was eventually converted into a shop in 1805 and new bank buildings were designed at the turn of the century. House of Fraser and then Boots owned the buildings before they were damaged by bomb explosions in 1975, and Primark took over in 1979. The store was refurbished and the exterior restored to its pre-bombing glory not long after.