NIFRS Mounts Major Overnight Operation to Rescue Hundreds of Animals from Banbridge Farm Fire
More than 40 firefighters from 13 stations across Northern Ireland battled an overnight blaze at a farm on the Cascum Road in Banbridge, County Down, successfully rescuing over 300 sheep and 30 cattle from a large hay shed that had caught fire — in a major operation that lasted from Thursday evening until Friday morning.
Background
The fire was reported just after 9:00 PM on Thursday 2 April 2026, with the blaze taking hold in a large hay shed that was housing a significant number of livestock. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) mounted an extensive response, deploying resources from across the region to tackle the fire and protect the animals inside.
Key Developments
The incident was successfully concluded by 11:50 AM on Friday 3 April 2026, following an overnight operation that involved over 40 firefighters and multiple fire appliances from 13 different stations, including Banbridge, Dromore, Lurgan, Portadown, and Newry. A Water Tanker from Warrenpoint and a Command Support Unit from Lisburn were also deployed to the scene.
A critical part of the operation was the successful rescue of all the animals. An NIFRS spokesperson confirmed: "The NIFRS Large Animal Rescue Team led all animals to safety upon arrival." Firefighters worked throughout the night to control the blaze, using a telehandler to remove hay from the shed to assist in extinguishing the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental ignition.
Why It Matters
The successful rescue of all the animals — over 300 sheep and 30 cattle — is a testament to the skill and dedication of the NIFRS Large Animal Rescue Team, a specialist unit trained to handle exactly these kinds of incidents. Farm fires involving livestock are among the most challenging incidents for fire services, requiring both firefighting expertise and specialist animal handling skills.
The scale of the response — 13 stations, over 40 firefighters, and specialist units from across Northern Ireland — reflects the seriousness of the incident and the NIFRS's commitment to protecting both property and animal welfare. For the farm family involved, the rescue of their livestock will have been an enormous relief.
What's Next
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, though it is believed to have been accidental. The NIFRS has reminded farmers and rural property owners of the importance of fire safety measures in agricultural buildings, particularly those housing livestock and storing hay or other combustible materials.
Read the full Belfast Live report on the Banbridge farm fire.
