Major Fire Devastates Corries Meats Site in County Down
A major fire broke out on Saturday evening at the site of Corries Meats, a beloved family-run meat producer near Newtownards in County Down, with 54 firefighters and eight fire engines battling the blaze through the night before bringing it under control on Sunday morning — destroying three generations of work in a matter of hours and leaving the local community in shock.
Background
Corries Meats is one of County Down's most established and respected food businesses, with a history dating back to the 1970s when the Corrie family began farming in the area. The business was formally established in 1977 and has grown over nearly five decades to include several retail stores in Newtownards, Belfast, and Holywood, as well as a wholesale operation supplying hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland. The farm raises its own beef and dairy cattle, emphasising the quality and provenance of its products — a reputation built painstakingly over three generations of dedicated family farming.
The Crossnamuckley Road site near Newtownards served as the heart of the operation, housing the farm shop, meat production facilities, and a bakery. It was also home to "We Are Hellbent," a food business owned by former Ulster Rugby player Louis Ludik, which had recently secured a significant distribution deal and was operating from the same premises.
Key Developments
The fire was reported at approximately 7:15pm on Saturday 11 April 2026 at the Corries Meats site on Crossnamuckley Road. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) dispatched a large-scale response, including eight fire engines, an aerial appliance, and a water tanker, with 54 firefighters tackling the blaze throughout the night. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts significantly, but crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes and managed to save adjacent sheds containing livestock.
The blaze was brought under control by around 8:00am on Sunday morning. The main farm shop, meat production facility, and bakery were all destroyed in the fire. NIFRS confirmed that investigators had been dispatched to the site to determine the cause of the blaze, which remains unknown. Crucially, all individuals were confirmed safe and accounted for, and no animals were harmed in the incident.
The local community rallied to support the firefighters throughout the night, with local farmers and residents using their own tractors and tankers to bring additional water to the scene — a remarkable display of community solidarity in the face of the emergency. DUP leader Gavin Robinson described the news as "devastating" and noted that the windy conditions had made the situation "incredibly difficult" for firefighters throughout the night.
Why It Matters
The fire represents a devastating blow to a family business that has been a cornerstone of the County Down community for nearly 50 years. Owner William Corrie captured the scale of the loss with heartbreaking simplicity: "Three generations of work disappears in a number of hours." The destroyed buildings housed not just production facilities but the accumulated investment, expertise, and identity of a family enterprise that has served customers across Northern Ireland for decades.
The impact extends beyond the Corrie family. The business is a significant local employer, and the disruption to its operations will be felt by staff, suppliers, and the hotels and restaurants that rely on its wholesale supply. The destruction of the "We Are Hellbent" premises is a further blow to a young food business that had been building momentum. Corries Meats has apologised to its customers for the temporary disruption to their supply and has pledged to rebuild.
Local Impact
For the Newtownards area and the wider County Down community, the loss of the Corries Meats site is deeply felt. The business is not just a commercial enterprise but a local institution — a familiar name on the high street and a trusted supplier to households and businesses across the region. Local councillors and political representatives have expressed their sympathies and support for the Corrie family and their employees, with Councillor Naomi Armstrong-Cotter among those to publicly back the family as they begin the process of assessing the damage and planning their recovery. The community's response has been a testament to the bonds that tie rural Northern Ireland together in times of adversity.
What's Next
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by NIFRS. The Corrie family will need to assess the full extent of the damage before any decisions can be made about rebuilding or resuming operations. The community's outpouring of support — both practical and emotional — will be a source of strength as the family faces what will undoubtedly be a long and difficult road to recovery. Anyone wishing to support the business is encouraged to follow Corries Meats on social media for updates on their recovery plans.
Sources: BBC News — Corries Meats fire; The Irish News — Corries Meats blaze
