SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins has commended the Fire & Rescue Service for their swift and effective response to a blaze at Gillilands in Culmore area of the city on Saturday.
A total of 45 firefighters have been dealing with a huge blaze in a large shed in Derry since the early hours of this morning.
The Fire and Rescue Service say around 600 tonnes of wood chip are stored in the building which is situated at Gillilands farm off the Culmore Road.
Said Coucillor Dobbins: “I was at the scene and fortunately the fire crews had the situation under control.
“The fire was located in the sheds of John Gilliland local business, specifically where his eco-friendly wood chips and pellets stored.
“The Assistant Group Commander Warren Kerr informed me that they are likely to be in attendance for the rest of the day as although it is under control the fire has continued to burn due to the nature of the contents of the shed and as such it will be very difficult to completely extinguish.
“Also at the scene was the ‘Vema’ appliance, a device with an aerial ladder used to combat high or large area fires.
“Unfortunately due to financial cut backs this appliance will not be adequately manned in the future and will likely fall into disuse.
“It was fortunate that there was a full quota of firefighters at Northland Road Fire Station this morning ensuring the ‘Vema’ appliance could be deployed with other tenders to significantly reduce the hold of the blaze.
“I believe the reasoning behind its ‘part-time’ use should be looked at again by the appropriate authority and governmental department as the device was crucial to reducing the fire spread.
“This could easily have been a multiple residential building with dire consequences.
“The Gilliland family are well known in the community and John’s business is renowned as a successful renewable fuel and waste management enterprise specializing in using willow.
SDLP councillor Angela Dobbins
“John has been the driving force for this eco-friendly fuel system and his expertise has been sought throughout the world.
“I hope that damage will be reduced to a minimum and the business will continue to thrive with no loss to livelihood or employment.
“I am thankful that there was no loss to life and that the family home was saved from the blaze and I praise the efficiency of the firefighters.”
Assistant Group Commander Warren Kerr said the blaze had now been brought under control.a
But his crews remained at the scene for the rest of yesterday to make sure no further fires erupt.
“Since five o’clock yesterday morning we made a big effort to try and surround the fire on all sides,” he said.
“That has now been completed and we’ve managed to save all the neighbouring properties around the shed.
“The fire is still burning at the minute because of the nature of the contents of the shed, it is actually very, very difficult to extinguish.”
