LATEST - Death of 2000 pigs in farm blaze ‘traumatic’ and ‘shocking’ - fire fighter sustained burn injuries

Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, Co Down.
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It has emerged that the pigs were inside a large shed at Carrigenagh Road when the fire broke out just before 9pm yesterday, a spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said.

It has emerged that one firefighter suffered minor burns to his feet and was taken ti hospital for treatment.

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Four fire engines were called to the scene - 2 from Kilkeel, Fire Station, 1 from Newcastle, Fire Station, 1 from Warrenpoint Fire Station, along with the Animal Rescue Team, a Command Support Unit and a Water Tanker.

The Fire Service said the number of animals killed was estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000The Fire Service said the number of animals killed was estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000
The Fire Service said the number of animals killed was estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000

The blaze was brought under control by the NIFRS just before midnight.

The NIFRS said the “cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition”.

The statement from the NIFRS added: “Firefighters worked in difficult conditions to prevent the fire spreading to adjacent buildings, however, it is believed that approximately 1500 – 2000 pigs have perished as result of the blaze”.

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The statement said that “one male casualty suffered minor burns during the incident”.

Farm owner Trevor Shields surveys the scene of devastation as up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County DownFarm owner Trevor Shields surveys the scene of devastation as up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down
Farm owner Trevor Shields surveys the scene of devastation as up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down

The fire was brought under control by 11.50 pm.

SDLP South Down MLA Sinéad Bradley has described the fire ‘as hugely distressing’.

She said: “The scale of the fire and the traumatic scenes are shocking.

“I wish to place on record my thanks to the special animal rescue teams and the fire crews attending the scene.

PigsPigs
Pigs
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“The farmer and his extended family will inevitably will be distressed by the events,

“I offer them not just my thoughts but my support in finding their way through and out of this catastrophic situation”.

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Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County DownUp to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down
Up to 2,000 pigs have been killed in a fire in Kilkeel, County Down
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Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor