Eight appliances tackle accidental early morning blaze at Newcastle pub

Eight appliances tackle accidental early morning blaze at Newcastle pub

19 January 2022

A FIRE at a popular bar in Newcastle last week was accidental, the Fire and Rescue Service believes.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the Anchor Bar on the Bryansford Road during the early hours of Friday morning.

It is understood that the blaze broke out just after 4am, with the Fire and Rescue Service deploying eight appliances to the incident. 

Crews from Newcastle, Knock, Downpatrick and Rathfriland responded to the emergency call 

with footage posted on social media showing crews working at the scene of the incident overnight, with the Bryansford Road remaining closed as firefighters tackled the blaze.

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed that firefighters were called to the fire in a non-residential property which had also spread to an adjacent building.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used four jets and an aerial appliance to extinguish the fire. The incident was dealt with by 8.44am and the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition.”

Local councillor Laura Devlin said she was “shocked” to learn of the fire at the Anchor Bar which she described as a “huge part of the local community”.

She continued: “It is so much more than a pub and a restaurant. It represents so much good in the town between hosting pub quizzes and long standing charity work.”

The local politician praised the Fire and Rescue Service response and a local resident who raised the alarm.

She added: “The damage to the bar and kitchen is significant and major repair works are required. My thoughts are with Paddy, Rob and the fantastic team of staff at the Anchor. Let’s hope that work gets underway soon and the doors can reopen again soon.”