UMVA has learned that a massive fire broke out in the Clearway industrial estate in Belfast, with emergency services rushing to the scene to tackle the blaze.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one onlooker, Nathan Wilson, saying a man came from a nearby boat to tie it up before running back to safety. The fire was raging in the city's Titanic quarter, with flames visible from a distance.
The blaze prompted a swift response from authorities, with passengers on a cruise ship docked at the port told to go inside as a precaution. One passenger wrote on social media: 'Sitting on cruise ship - was sunning it, now told to go inside.'
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they were engaged in firefighting operations to extinguish a fire in a large quantity of scrap metal at East Twin Road, Belfast. The operation was expected to continue for some time, with the public advised to stay away from the area and keep windows and doors closed.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the fire did not appear to be affecting the nearby Belfast City Airport, with flights continuing to operate as normal. However, Belfast Harbour Police warned that Queen's Road was closed to traffic and pedestrians, advising local residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
The authorities were working closely together to contain the fire, with Belfast Harbour Police confirming they were collaborating with the PSNI, NIFRS, and staff of Clearway Disposals to bring the situation under control.
