£1m fire bill at council depot

Extensive damage was caused to vehicles in the depot

A fire at a council depot in County Tyrone has caused damage estimated at £1m.

Striking firefighters left their picket line to tackle the blaze which extensively damaged the depot in Dungannon following an arson attack.

Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council said at least 15 refuse lorries and vans and other equipment were damaged or destroyed at the Oaks Road site in the town.

A security force Yellow Goddess crew attended the fire, but council officers said if full time firefighters had not left their picket line, the damage would have been even more extensive.

Council officer Robert McMinn: "The whole yard could have burnt down"

The military firefighters had difficulty finding the water hydrant and the blaze was only brought under control after the two red fire engine crews tackled the blaze.

Firefighters said it was the possible risk to lives from exploding fuel which brought them off their strike.

There were a number of fuel explosions at the depot and nearby houses were evacuated shortly after the fire was discovered at 0100 GMT.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze at the yard is continuing as the national strike by firefighters over pay enters its eighth day, with no sign that talks between the Fire Brigades Union and the employer will result in a deal.

The current strike is due to end on Friday evening.

Council officer Robert McMinn said he believed the fire in Dungannon was started deliberately.

The blaze began in a shed housing council lorries and other machinery.

"The building was burning at both ends, so it would appear that it had been started deliberately in the building," Mr McMinn said.

"There is about another half million of plant machinery and equipment sitting here close by.

'Good efforts'

"Had it not been for the good efforts of the firemen getting the water and foam on in time practically the whole yard would have burnt down.

"There are large quantities of diesel fuel stored here. Had the fire spread to that no-one knows what could have happened."

Lorries and vans were damaged along with street cleaning and ground maintenance equipment and domestic refuse bins were also burned.

The council said its refuse services would be disrupted for a time.

An examination of the scene is being carried out.