Over 100 families in a Co Down village tonight faced spending the night out of their homes after being evacuated amid fears gas cylinders could explode in a welders’ workshop swept by fire.
A 200-metre exclusion zone was set up around the workshop at Old Park Road in Drumaness after the fire broke out early in the morning.
Residents needing assistance were directed to the community centre in nearby Ballynahinch were efforts were being made to find beds for those who could not make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the zone.
People returning to the village after a day’s work were also advised to go to the community centre.
It is normal for the Fire and Rescue Service to maintain a cordon around sites were cylinders could explode after being heated in a fire for 24 hours, or however longer they think necessary for them to cool down.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Michael Coogan said: “People can’t even go back to their homes to retrieve things like medication, money, or nappies and baby formula.
“Three are a whole range of problems presenting themselves and we are just doing our best to try and accommodate everyone.”