Primark fire: Shoppers evacuated as huge blaze breaks out in Belfast

Plumes of black smoke seen from across city as about 80 firefighters battle flames at 'iconic' building

Staff and shoppers have been evacuated from a Primark shop in Belfast as 80 firefighters tackle a major blaze.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it had sent 11 appliances to the five-storey building in Castle Street after flames were reported at 11am on Tuesday.

Footage on social media showed roaring flames and plumes of black smoke billowing from top floor of the historic Bank Buildings, where the shop is located.

Customers described smelling smoke inside the store before being told by staff to leave the building.

Primark said the shop was safely evacuated.

Loud bangs could be heard coming from the fire while large pieces of debris were seen falling from the building.

Smoke fire filled nearby streets and could be seen from across the city. Emergency services asked people to avoid the area and advised local residents and businesses to keep their doors and windows closed.

The 233-year-old Bank Buildings had recently been undergoing refurbishment work.

Belfast city councillor Tim Attwood described the building as ”iconic” and said the fire was”devastating” and “extremely worrying”.

“My thoughts are with the staff and the emergency services who are battling to control the flames,” he added.

Councillor Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston tweeted: “Devastating news particularly following the recent refurbishments and extension! Hope everyone has made it out safely.”

She added: “Feeling sad as another little piece of Belfast turns to ash yet overwhelming proud of our fire and rescue service tackling the blaze to preserve life – to preserve history.

A NIFRS spokesman said: “NIFRS received a call at 11am today to a fire on the top floor of the Primark building – a five-storey commercial property in the Castle Street area of Belfast.

“11 fire appliances are in attendance. The building has been evacuated. The public are advised to avoid the Castle Street/Royal Avenue area whilst the incident is ongoing.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland also warned drivers to avoid the area and said traffic diversions were in place.

There were no initial reports of injuries, although that has yet to be confirmed by authorities.

One witness said he spotted smoke coming from the roof of the building and alerted security guards inside the store.

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, told Press Association it appeared that guards were not aware of the fire.

He also claimed he could not hear any alarms alerting the staff and public.

“They didn’t know it was on fire and we had to tell them,” he added. “I couldn’t hear any alarms going off either.”

Flames billow from the top of Primark's Belfast store (PA)

But a spokesman for Primark said the fire alarm did activate.

In a statement, he added: “Our Belfast store on Castle Street was safely evacuated this morning following a fire on the roof.

“Fire services are attending the scene and working to extinguish the fire.”

The Bank Buildings were designed by Sir Robert Taylor and construction by Waddell Cunningham began in 1785.

It opened as a bank 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.

In 1805, it was converted into a shop, and has remained an outlet for retail ever since, including as a House of Fraser and Boots.

A police officer urges people to keep back as fire crews tackle a blaze at Primarkin Belfast (PA)

On 9 April, 1975, three bombs exploded in the Bank Buildings and a resulting fire broke caused extensive damage.

In 1979, the building was taken over by Primark, who refurbished the building, restored the exterior and have operated in the building ever since.

Joan McCoy, president of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, said Tuesday’s fire was a sad say for Belfast.

“Buildings like these help give Belfast its unique identity and character,” she added. “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.”