The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service brought a large fire at a meat production facility on Crossnamuckley Road outside Newtownards under control. The incident affected sheds linked to Corries Meats.

Firefighters received the first call at 7:15pm on 11 April 2026. Eight fire appliances, an aerial appliance, a water tanker, and a Command Support Unit attended with 54 personnel.

William Corrie stated his brother spotted smoke from the building around that time. He noted the fire spread rapidly and fully engulfed the site within an hour.

The affected unit housed a butcher's shop, production areas with fridges, and office space. A section was leased to Hellbent, a company producing meat products.

Livestock in a nearby shed was relocated immediately. Corrie confirmed no one was injured.

The Corrie family thanked emergency services and local support, including neighbours who provided slurry tankers and a 20,000-gallon lorry. Father Will Corrie praised the fire service response.

NIFRS stated on Sunday morning that the cause remains undetermined and crews had departed the scene. A spokesperson had earlier requested the public avoid the area during operations.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson posted support for those affected on social media. DUP councillor Naomi Armstrong-Cotter expressed solidarity with the Corrie family.