Police were today investigating a blaze which has caused hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage and destroyed a Co Down fire station.

Firefighters were forced to stand helplessly by as their station in Rathfriland was engulfed in flames during the overnight blaze. Two fire appliances were also destroyed in the fire.

Fire and Rescue Service area commander Don McKay said that contingency measures are in place to ensure there is adequate fire cover in the area.

Local firefighters received an emergency call at around 4am this morning but when they arrived at the station they realised it was their own building that was ablaze.

Due to health and safety reasons they were unable to enter the building to access equipment to fight the flames. Emergency crews from Newry were called to the scene to help control the fire.

Twenty firefighters eventually managed to bring it under control but it was too far advanced to save the station.

The PSNI said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze which was reported to them at around 4.15am.

The Fire and Rescue Service said initial investigations suggest the fire may have been started by an electrical fault but that police were investigating to rule out arson.

Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander Don McKay said: “It goes to prove that the Fire Service is not immune to fire ourselves. Our local firefighters were at home and were alerted to a fire in their area at around 4am.

“They responded to the call and arrived to find it was their own station. They could not get in for health and safety reasons. They were helpless.

“They just had to stand and look at their station burn down. Appliances had to come from Newry to respond.”

Mr McKay added: “We can assure everyone that even though the fire station is very badly damaged the local community need not be afraid because fire cover is being maintained. A contingency plan is in place.

“These things do happen and they do happen to the fire service and we will just have to move on which we will do. A police investigation is ongoing but at the minute it doesn't look like arson. It may have been some sort of electrical fault. It is early days. We have lost very valuable vehicles but that won’t deny people a service.”

Chairman of Banbridge District council, Elizabeth Ingram, said the fire is a blow to the local community.

The Rathfriland UUP councillor added: “It is distressing to hear the news this morning that this fire has taken place over night in the town. However, I am pleased to know that fire cover is still available in Rathfriland and the surrounding area and that people will not be without this essential service.

“It is a blow for the area and a shock to the local community. It must have been very difficult for our local fire fighters to have to watch their station burn. I have every confidence that this will not prevent them from continuing to provide a professional service for their local community.”

DUP assemblyman JIm Wells said: “The station covered a huge rural area. A temporary facility has been arranged but we need reassurances that the station will be replaced with a new building. I am very relieved to hear that it is unlikely the fire was started deliberately.”