Fire service confirm O’Doherty & Sons fire was likely caused by lightning

The fire service have confirmed the devastating fire which destroyed the O’Doherty & Sons Ltd. coffin factory in Strabane on Sunday was probably caused by lightning.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 5th Jul 2021, 18:34 BST
Updated 5th Jul 2021, 18:36 BST
Firefighters at the scene of aftermath of the blaze on Railway Street, Strabane, that destroyed a coffin-making business on Sunday afternoon last. Photo: George Sweeney / Derry Journal. DER2127GS – 005Firefighters at the scene of aftermath of the blaze on Railway Street, Strabane, that destroyed a coffin-making business on Sunday afternoon last. Photo: George Sweeney / Derry Journal. DER2127GS – 005
Firefighters at the scene of aftermath of the blaze on Railway Street, Strabane, that destroyed a coffin-making business on Sunday afternoon last. Photo: George Sweeney / Derry Journal. DER2127GS – 005

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: “Following our investigation, we can confirm that a lightning strike was the most likely cause of the fire at a commercial premises on Railway Street, Strabane yesterday (Sunday 4 July 2021).

“At the height of the incident 10 Fire Appliances including 4 Specialist Vehicles, and approximately 80 Firefighters were in attendance. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used jets and Aerial Appliances to tackle the fire.

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“Our Firefighters worked hard under challenging conditions, to make sure the fire was kept under control and prevent it spreading to surrounding properties.

“The incident was dealt with by 12.39pm on Monday, July 5, 2021.”

Related topics:Fire serviceStrabane