Police officers in Dungannon, County Tyrone, rescued four people from a property during a house fire on Monday. The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) was called at approximately 8:30 pm. However, people were already surrounded safely outside the burning building with police help by the time firefighters reached the scene. Following the rescue operation, several police officers were treated for smoke inhalation. The NIFRS extinguished the fire with crew wearing breathing apparatus. They then provided first aid to the victims who were transferred to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Two fire appliances from Dungannon as well as one from Pomeroy attended the scene.
The incident occurred in Cunninghams Lane of Dungannon, resulting in blackened wall exteriors and shattered glass at the entrance of the building. Upstairs window remains were evident on the property, with a ladder still attached to it, and matching scorch damages highlighted throughout the property. Despite cordon put in place, the police car kept a close watch throughout the area. The reason for the fire is now being investigated, and Cunninghams Lane has reopened. Reports released by officials have not revealed whether the Northern Irish fire and rescue services had met the required response rate.
Politicians have expressed concern about the fire and have come forward with statements about the event. SDLP Councillor Malachy Quinn stated that the news and images emerging from Dungannon are concerning. DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Deborah Erskine was disturbed by the incident, questioning how this happened and its cause. Investigations are continuing, determining the cause of the fire, and are finding a solution to prevent such an accident in the future
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