Landmark Belfast Building ‘At Risk of Collapse’ After Fire Rips Through Roof

A fire has torn through an iconic Belfast retail store, after a roof fire took hold during the morning of Aug. 28.

“The incident at the Primark building is ongoing and likely to continue throughout the day,” the Northern Ireland Fire service said, at around 2 p.m. on Aug. 28.

The BBC later reported that the building was “at risk of imminent collapse,” citing a senior police officer.

After videos of flames engulfing the upper storeys emerged on social media, the fire service confirmed at midday that a fire had broken out on the 5th floor of the Primark building in the Castle Street area of Belfast.

Groups of people could be seen watching the smoke and flames rising from the landmark building.

Clothing retailer Primark said in a statement that the building had been evacuated “following a fire on the roof.”

“14 Fire Appliances and 80 Firefighters are currently at the scene,” said the fire service in their latest tweet at around 2 p.m. “Residents & businesses in the City Centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.”

According to the Belfast Telegraph, there were reports of explosions following the fire, believed to be from gas canisters.

‘There Was Smoke Everywhere’

Caitlin Hunter told the Telegraph she was on the ground floor when the alarm was raised.

“People started walking out quickly and I followed the crowd.

“Before I knew it there was smoke everywhere and flames, even though it seemed to start off very small.

“The mood was very confused in the shop, everyone could smell the smoke but nobody could tell what was going on.”

The building was undergoing a £30 million refurbishment. The historic Bank Buildings were erected in 1785.

Belfast City Councillor Jim Rodgers told the Telegraph he had been told tar was being laid on the roof of the building shortly before the fire started.

“Inquiries are still at a very early stage but I’ve been told by a number of people that the fire started on the roof, seemingly it was tar being put down on the roof as part of the refurbishment of the building.

It isn’t the first time the building has been wrecked by fire.

On April 9, 1975, the listed building was damaged by three bombs and the ensuing fire, forcing tenants Boots to move out. It was refurbished in 1979 before being reopened by the current owners Primark.

Video credit: MrCWoodhouse/Sunday Life via Storyful