Fire at Co Down hay shed extinguished after 14 hours

A large fire at a hay shed in Co Down has been extinguished after firefighters battled it for more than 14 hours.

Around 300 sheep and 30 calves were moved out of the shed on Cascum Road in Banbridge, while efforts continued to extinguish the fire.

More than 40 firefighters were tackling the fire at its height.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, according to a spokeswoman for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).

“The initial call was received at 9.03pm, Thursday 2 April 2026,” NIFRS area commander Suzanne Fleming said said.

“Initially, 300 sheep in the shed were led to safety by NIFRS Large Animal Rescue Team from Newcastle.”

In a statement issued at 6am, she said the fire was in the hay, which was being removed by a telehandler.

She said more than 40 firefighters and six fire appliances, including a water tanker from Warrenpoint Fire Station and a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station, had worked throughout the night to bring it under control.

The fire was extinguished at 11.50am, the NIFRS spokeswoman said.