The owners of a Newry-based Karting track have spoken after a fire gutted their premises at the weekend.
Jim and Gareth Feenan, of Formula Kart Racing, said it was with “great sadness” that the family-run business would be closed until further notice, adding they are “relieved” that no-one was injured.
The blaze broke out at the Greenbank Industrial Estate in Ballinacraig on Saturday afternoon (July 13).
Around 50 firefighting personnel and six fire appliances were assisted by local farmers in tackling the fire, with the plumes of black smoke visible for miles around.
It is believed the fire started in the kart racing facility, before spreading to neighbouring units.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) believe the blaze was caused accidentally.
A statement released by Formula Karting on social media today (Monday) read: “It is with great sadness that we at Formula Karting must make this announcement today. Due to a devastating fire at our premises on Saturday we are closed until further notice.
“As we gather our thoughts and begin to pick up the pieces today, we are very thankful and relieved that no one was injured in the fire. We wish to convey a massive heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff and to our amazing farming family, friends, neighbours and community, who greatly assisted throughout, to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, to the PSNI and to all the local businesses and charities who helped in any way.”
The pair also expressed condolences for the neighbouring businesses also affected in the fire.
“This has come as a major blow to us all, to our immediate family, friends and our surrounding business community. We feel deeply for our neighbouring businesses who have also been extensively impacted by this devastating incident.
“Formula Karting is a family run business operating for 33 years and we are indebted to you our customers, who have visited us from near and far and made it what it was. Your messages of support are a great comfort to us all. Our aim, hope and focus is to recover from this setback and move forward.”
Photo by Newry.LN
The owners of House of Murphy, a furniture shop that was also affected, spoke out on Saturday afternoon to say their Newry shop had been “destroyed” in the blaze.
“House of Murphy family and staff are devastated due to recent events whereby a fire has destroyed our Greenbank, Newry shop,” they said, adding: “Please bear with us while we try to salvage and recover.
“Thanks a million to the emergency services and farmers that helped out. We appreciate everything.
“The outreach of help and support has been overwhelming.”
The Newry Chamber CEO, Michael Savage attended the scene on Saturday evening, offering the Chamber’s full support to the family businesses impacted and their staff.
He said: “Our hearts go out to the long established family businesses impacted by this blaze. They are devastated by what has happened and are concerned about what happens next and what the future holds for their businesses and staff.
“I have offered the full support of the Chamber team and our member businesses and we will assist in any way we can in the difficult days ahead.
“Our thanks go to the fire crews for all their efforts in tackling the blaze and local farmers who brought their tankers to the scene and helped stop the spread of the devastating fire and PSNI who were on the ground redirecting the flow of traffic and keeping the residents and local business owners in the surrounding areas informed and safe.”
Among those praising the fire service for their response to the incident was Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins.
She said: “This was a major blaze causing devastating damage to businesses units at Greenback but we are thankful that there are no injuries. It is essential that businesses impacted upon receive all support possible.
“Our community is once again deeply indebted to the officers of the Fire Service for their efforts under such dangerous conditions. I also would commend those local farmers who supported the Fire Service by helping douse down the flames.”
