About 100 people had to spend the night out of their homes following a suspected arson attack at a derelict factory in north Belfast.
The fire was discovered at the property on Sydney Street West, in the Shankill area, at about 0100 GMT.
More than 70 firefighters and eight appliances were used to bring the blaze under control.
A senior fire officer said the homes were so close to the fire that it was starting to melt the windows and roofs.
Divisional Fire Officer Chris Kerr said when crews arrived the blaze was well alight and there had been a "very severe risk" of fire spreading to adjacent properties.
Suspicious
He said that thick black smoke was coming from the blaze as the factory roof was made up of wood and bitumen.
Residents who were moved out of their homes in Sydney Street West and Edenderry Street were taken to a community centre on the Crumlin Road.
Many occupants have now been allowed back into their homes.
The Fire and Rescue Service said they were treating the blaze as suspicious.
The building has been destroyed.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~58~RS~)