Investigation continues in to serious fire at flats on Seymour Hill in Dunmurry

By Adam Evans

Crews have put out a serious fire in a tower block in Dunmurry.

Dramatic pictures and video showed a ninth floor flat well alight lastnight.

One person had to be rescued.

Residents including Jayne have told Q Radio alarms throughout the building didn't go off.

Coolmoyne House resident Jayne Huddleston describes drama of this evening's fire - "it was mayhem." pic.twitter.com/5ury3JyHmd

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 15, 2017

Julie Ann Jackson from the Seymour Hill and Conway Community Residents Association - is appalled.

Geoff Somerville from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has told Q Radio the alarm system at Coolmoyne House, Dunmurry worked as expected. He explains why there would have been no sound in other flats and communal areas.

The Housing Executive says it's staff are on site.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue has told Q Radio investigators are looking into what caused the blaze.

Footage obtained by Q Radio shows the extent of the blaze at Coolmoyne House, Dunmurry before it was extinguished by NIFRS. pic.twitter.com/Kia80pA6hm

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 15, 2017

An NIFRS spokesperson said: "Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service received a call to Coolmoyne House, Dunmurry, Belfast at 17.32 today. A total of eleven fire appliances were mobilised to this incident.

"On arrival the Fire and Rescue Service were faced with a well-developed fire on the ninth floor of a block of flats. 

"The prompt intervention of our fire-fighters quickly brought the blaze under control and it was extinguished at 1810hrs.

"One person has been rescued and a number of residents were led to safety.

"Crews remain on scene dealing with the incident. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

"The Fire and Rescue Service are still in attendance and would like to reassure the public that this incident does not provide any further risk to the public."

@NIFRSOFFICIAL "very relieved no loss of life at Coolmoyne House - thanks to courageous actions of 55 firefighters." pic.twitter.com/aVvIOovpsX

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 15, 2017

West Belfast Sinn Fein MLA, Órlaithlí Flynn said: "The emergency services deserve huge credit for their prompt response to a fire in a block of flats in Seymour Hill at Dunmurry.

"The fire spread to more than one floor and the speed of the emergency services actions undoubtedly save lives.

"It is my understanding that several people have been treated by medics and I hope they will make a full recovery.

"In light of this incident, I will be contacting the Housing Executive to ensure there are adequate safety measures in place in apartment blocks such as these to ensure the future safety of all residents."