A FIRE has gutted a
well-known amusement arcade in the border village of
Bridgend this morning.
The fire broke out in the early hours at the
Blackthorn arcade near the Letterkenny roundabout.
Firefighters from both sides of the border were
called to the scene about 6.30am.
Donegal chief fire officer, Bobby McMenamin, said
six appliances from Northern Ireland, Letterkenny
and Buncrana responded. They included two crews from
Buncrana and a hydraulic platform from Letterkenny
as well as two crews and a hydraulic platform from
the North.
Fire crews attend the scene of a fire
at the Blackthorn Amusements in Bridgend.
"When the first tenders
arrived at 6.25am, the fire was well alight and the
flames were coming through the roof," said Mr
McMenamin.
"The first floor of the building has been completely
destroyed in the fire and the ground floor has water
damage."
Mr McMenamin said fire crews managed to bring the
blaze under control within an hour-and-a half but
firefighters continued dampening the scene until
midday.
The chief fire officer said the case has now been
handed over to gardai. Supt Kevin English said a
full forensic examination would take place once the
building was declared safe for officers to enter.
"The scene is preserved
but there are some health and safety issues. There
is a lot of heat still in the building. We are just
waiting for it to be declared safe and then a full
forensic examination can take place," said Supt
English.
Only the outer walls of the amusement arcade remain
standing today with most of the interior and the
roof destroyed.
Drivers have been warned of traffic delays in and
around the area. There were no reports of injury.
The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
