UK: Crews responding to structure fire in central Belfast as of the morning of May 31

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a structure fire at an abandoned building on Samuel Street in central Belfast as of the morning of May 31. Authorities have closed several nearby roads, namely North Street, Millfield, Union Street, Royal Avenue, Gresham Street, and Winetavern Street as a precaution and to facilitate firefighting operations. Officials have also advised nearby residents to keep their windows closed. The cause of the blaze is not immediately clear. There have been no reports of injuries.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are likely in the coming hours. Lingering transport disruptions are possible in the vicinity after crews extinguish the fire as recovery and clearance operations and investigations continue.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Allow additional time to reach destinations in central Belfast the morning of May 31; seek alternative routes to circumvent the impacted location. Heed instructions of officials. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.