Robbie Butler, Ulster Unionist MLA for Lagan Valley, has praised the Emergency Services who dealt with the fire which broke out at flats in Seymour Hill, Dunmurry and treated residents afterwards.
Mr Butler, who is a former firefighter, said:
“I want to thank all the emergency services, and in particular the Fire and Rescue Service, who responded so swiftly to the fire which broke out at flats in Seymour Hill this evening. They demonstrated immense bravery and professionalism in getting residents out of the flats so quickly to be treated by the paramedics.
“Social media pictures offer a glimpse of the terrifying scene which faced residents, and emergency services who arrived at the flats. I know from experience what races through your mind when you first arrive at the scene of a fire. Given the tragic images and terrible loss of life which we saw at Grenfell earlier this year, people are very aware of the potential for loss of life in circumstances like this. Thank goodness on this occasion, that was not the case.
“It does once again raise the question - should consideration be given to retrospectively fitting sprinkler systems to all high rise flats? It would also be beneficial to review the evacuation plans for high rise buildings.”