Ballinamallard FC’s clubhouse will remain shut for an extended time after a fire caused significant damage.
Fire Destroys Three Rooms
The blaze at Ballinamallard FC on Saturday afternoon destroyed a store room, kitchen and the main club room. The fire took over two hours to be brought under control.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted just before 14:00 BST and it sent four appliances. No one was injured.
The fire means that the Ballinamallard FC’s social club will be closed for an extended period.
Club Chairperson’s Reaction
Former Ulster Unionist Party leader Tom Elliott is the chairperson of Ballinamallard FC in County Fermanagh. He told BBC News NI that while the club was being set up for its 15:00 opening time on Saturday, someone smelled smoke.
“It all happened very quickly,” he said. He added that he believed that the fire was accidental.
“The fire service were very good. They got it under control and they put it out in a few hours,” he said.
Clubhouse to Remain Closed
Elliott said the facilities would now be out of use for a significant period of time.
“We will have to speak to our insurance company and work out what it will take to get it reopened. It will be quite a while,” he added.
The fire at Ballinamallard FC damaged three rooms, including a main club room.
The club will have to speak to its insurance company and work out what it will take to get it reopened.