Fire chief praises workers for saving lives a year on from devastating Primark fire

Q Radio News

The fire chief who led the emergency response operation to the Primark fire in Belfast city centre exactly one year ago says he has "no doubt" staff "saved lives".

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the iconic Bank Buildings as a major blaze took hold last August. 

It took four days to fight the fire and prevent damage to surrounding buildings, but much of the city centre was closed off for months meaning several businesses had to close, or relocate.

Area Commander Aidan Jennings:

🎥 The @NIFRSOFFICIAL chief who led the emergency response operation to the Primark fire in Belfast city centre exactly one year ago today says he has no doubt staff saved lives. Aidan Jennings has been praising workers at the store for evacuating customers and colleagues: pic.twitter.com/ClvRkhF7jo

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 28, 2019

A year on the investigation into the devastating blaze has still not been completed:

It's been a tough time for traders in the vicinity of Bank Buildings, like Kathleen McGovern of Abacus Beads:

🎥 #PrimarkFire a year ago today resulted in part of Belfast city centre being closed off for months. Several businesses had to shut, or relocate. Kathleen McGovern of Abacus Beads says the impact “almost broke” her. However, customers on social media saved the day: pic.twitter.com/2FFOEegCCG

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 28, 2019

President of Belfast Chamber Rajesh Rana has praised the resilience of the local traders for getting back to business.

It looks like three years before the Bank Buildings Primark reopens. 

🎥 Exactly a year after #PrimarkFire many challenges remain, but resilient Belfast is looking to the future. Here's @BelfastChamber President @RajeshBelfast #MakeitBelfast pic.twitter.com/HrPqvaz9oh

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 28, 2019

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