16 Oct 2012
A chemical laboratory at Queen’s University in Belfast was shut for almost two hours as fire crews battled to contain a blaze.
Four fire appliances and a hazardous material vehicle were called to the David Keir building on the Stranmillis Road in the Northern Ireland capital at around midday on Sunday 14 October.
Firefighters managed to douse the flames after around 15 minutes, with a Queen’s University spokesperson confirming that the fire was extinguished before doing large-scale damage.
In a separate incident in County Down later that afternoon, four fire appliances attended a former care home at St John’s House in Pound Lane, Downpatrick, along with an aerial appliance unit.
Three local youths were later arrested in connection with the fire on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
All commercial properties in Northern Ireland need to get a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment carried out under the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010.
The Appropriate Person can face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to two years if they fail to comply with the legislation.
Copyright Press Association 2012