By Yuvraj Tyagi
Copyright timesnownews
Strabane residents were startled on September 20, 2025, as a large fire broke out at an industrial estate on Lifford Road, close to the Modern Tyres outlet and minutes from Asda Strabane, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed. Alarms blared across the town, and social media quickly filled with videos capturing plumes of black smoke rising over the estate. The blaze, first reported around 7:30 PM, prompted a swift mobilisation of multiple NIFRS pumping appliances. Eyewitnesses described firefighters donning full gear, uncoiling hoses, and strategically positioning vehicles along the roadside to contain the flames. In a clip shared by NI Emergency Response Vids on X, water streams can be seen hitting hotspots, while smoke and sparks swirl in the evening air. “It’s a proper blaze—looks like it started in one of the units,” a bystander commented under the video. NIFRS officials confirmed their presence but refrained from detailing the cause, citing the ongoing nature of the response. Traffic along Lifford Road, a key route connecting Strabane to Lifford in the Republic of Ireland, was temporarily diverted by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) units to ensure clear access for emergency services. Early reports suggest the fire may have originated from a single unit, possibly electrical or waste-related, though investigations remain in the early stages. Firefighters’ Response and Community Impact Videos circulating online show at least four pumping appliances tackling the blaze, with crews ventilating roofs and overhauling debris to extinguish embers Nearby business owners praised the swift action. “You could smell the rubber burning from half a mile away—thank God it’s not spreading to the high street,” one trader told reporters. Authorities confirmed no evacuations were required beyond the estate but urged residents to stay clear of the area. Strabane District Council expressed support for affected businesses, while environmental teams prepared to monitor air quality due to proximity to the River Mourne. As of September 21, the fire has been contained, and structural assessments are ongoing, with investigations into the cause continuing.
