Emergency services tackling major fire at Belfast docks ‘involving a quantity of cars’

Crews were called to reports of a major fire at the Clearway disposal site shortly after 12:15pm.

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a major blaze on Queen’s Island in Belfast this afternoon.

Crews were called to reports of a major fire at the Clearway disposal site shortly after 12:15pm.

Police have asked residents in the surrounding area to close doors and windows as emergency services tackle the fire “involving a quantity of cars.”

At least six fire appliances, including an aerial platform, from stations across counties Antrim and Down are currently battling the fire.

Two pilot boats are also battling the blaze from the water.

The Belfast Telegraph also understands two high volume pumps have been deployed by the fire service.

A spokesperson for Belfast Harbour Police said local residents in the area should keep their windows and doors closed for now.

“We are working closely with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, and staff of Clearway Disposals, following the out break of a fire at its scrap metal recycling facility in the Harbour Estate,” the spokesperson said.

“We would advise local residents and surrounding businesses to keep windows and doors closed, as a precautionary measure and for people to avoid the area.”

A large section of the docks remains closed to the public since the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) received a report of the incident at approximately 12.15pm.

Dark plumes of smoke have steadily become thicker and larger since the fire broke.

A spokesperson for NIFRS said: “Firefighters are currently at the scene of an incident involving a quantity of cars on fire on East Twin Road, Shipyard, Belfast. This incident is ongoing.”

The metal recycling company was contacted for comment.

In May firefighters tackled a blaze in a “large quantity of scrap metal” which broke out at the Clearway Disposals site.

More to follow.