West Belfast: Seven led to safety from apartment fire

Seven people have been led to safety from a fire at an apartment block in west Belfast on Friday.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) received reports of the fire at the Springfield Mill apartments at 22:40 GMT.

Five appliances were sent to the scene and survival advice was offered to one resident over the phone before firefighters entered the building.

The fire was brought under control shortly before midnight.

It has been deemed accidental, the fire service said.

Image caption, Group commander Davy Harbinson said the festive period is busy for the NIFRS

The NIFRS said the fire likely started from an electric light in the main hallway of the apartment block.

Oxygen was administered to one woman to treat smoke inhalation and she returned to her apartment shortly after.

Group commander Davy Harbinson told 大象传媒 News NI: "[The fire alarm] allowed residents to raise the alarm and know there was danger within their building."

He urged people to ensure they have a working smoke alarm, particularly over the Christmas holidays when there are additional fire hazards.