On the evening of January 9, 2026, a massive fire broke out at Fusco Vehicle Sales, located within the Balloo Industrial Estate in Bangor, County Down, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and rattling the local community. The incident, which began just after 3:30pm, quickly escalated into what local officials described as a major emergency, drawing a robust response from emergency services and prompting urgent safety warnings to residents and commuters alike.
The first calls to emergency services were made at 3:34pm, as reported by multiple sources including the BBC and Belfast Live. Within minutes, eight crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) were dispatched to the scene, arriving from stations in Bangor, Newtownards, Knock, Holywood, and Lisburn. Their task was daunting: to contain a blaze in the heart of an industrial area densely packed with factories, car dealerships, a recycling center, and a number of other businesses, all in close proximity to residential neighborhoods.
As the fire raged, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) moved quickly to cordon off Balloo Way, urging the public to steer clear of the area. In a statement, a PSNI spokesman said, "The public are advised to avoid the Balloo Way, Bangor due to a fire in the area. Emergency services are currently at the scene and residents are advised to keep windows closed due to smoke." The advice was echoed by local officials and politicians, who emphasized the risks posed by the heavy, acrid smoke drifting across the city and the potential for reduced visibility on already busy evening roads.
Images and videos shared on social media painted a dramatic picture: towering columns of smoke billowed above the industrial estate, visible from miles away, while fire crews worked from aerial appliances, pouring water down onto the heart of the blaze from above. According to Belfast Live, flames could still be seen as police and fire crews maintained a cordon, ensuring that only emergency personnel had access to the immediate area.
For those living nearby, the situation was tense. Residents were repeatedly advised to keep their windows closed and to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid inhaling smoke. The fire's central location meant that many people—both workers and residents—were affected. Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA for North Down, Stephen Dunne, captured the mood of the community in an interview with the BBC's Evening Extra programme: "It has caused considerable concern within the local community. At this time in the evening traffic is always quite considerable and the heavy, thick smoke has added to that traffic congestion." Dunne went on to describe the area as "mainly made up of factories and car dealerships and the local recycling centre is there and quite a number of businesses," adding that "a number of employees" were based in the area and that there was "quite a lot of residential housing in close proximity to the fire."
Peter Martin, another DUP MLA, took to social media to reinforce the safety message, urging people to avoid traveling to the area and to keep their windows closed. He noted, "Please avoid travelling in the Balloo area until the Fire service have got the fire under control. The roads around Bangor are very busy this evening and the thick smoke is reducing visibility in some surrounding roads."
As the hours passed, efforts by the NIFRS appeared to pay off. In a statement posted on social media, Fusco Vehicle Sales provided a much-needed update: "Folks we need to let everybody know following some social media posts that we have had a fire in our workshop which is now under control. Everybody is safe and well and we will be in touch with all of our customers following advice and guidance from the fire brigade. We really appreciate everybody’s understanding and patience." The company’s reassurance that no one had been hurt was echoed by emergency services, who confirmed that there were no reported injuries at the time.
While the exact cause of the fire remained under investigation as of Friday night, sources at the scene suggested that a boiler explosion might have been to blame, according to Belfast Live. Regardless of the cause, the incident highlighted the risks inherent in industrial areas and the importance of swift, coordinated responses by emergency services. The heavy smoke and the potential for hazardous conditions prompted repeated calls for caution from all quarters.
North Down MP Alex Easton was among the first to publicly acknowledge the efforts of the firefighters and emergency personnel. In a statement carried by several outlets, Easton said, "I want to pay tribute to the firefighters and all emergency personnel responding in difficult circumstances. I have spoken to the PSNI, and I would strongly urge members of the public to stay away from the Balloo Industrial Estate area to allow the emergency services to carry out their work, and to keep access routes clear. I hope and pray that no one has been hurt. My thoughts are with everyone involved, including those working to bring this incident under control."
For much of the evening, the incident remained ongoing, with firefighters continuing to douse the affected building from above and police maintaining a strict cordon. From the police lines at the top of Balloo Way, the flames themselves were obscured, but the lingering smoke left little doubt as to the seriousness of the situation. The scale of the response—eight fire appliances, multiple police patrols, and a coordinated public information campaign—underscored the potential for danger and the need for community cooperation.
By nightfall, with the fire reportedly under control and no injuries confirmed, there was a palpable sense of relief in Bangor. Still, the incident served as a stark reminder of how quickly emergencies can disrupt daily life and the critical role played by first responders. As Fusco Vehicle Sales promised to keep customers updated and local officials continued to monitor the aftermath, the community was left to reflect on a day when disaster was averted by swift action and clear communication.
As investigations into the cause of the blaze continue, Bangor’s response stands as a testament to the value of preparedness, the professionalism of emergency services, and the resilience of a community united in the face of crisis.
