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Families moved over toxic smoke Hundreds moved over poison fears
(40 minutes later)
About 175 homes in Coleraine have been evacuated due to toxic smoke from a warehouse fire. Up to 600 homes in the Coleraine area have been evacuated due to toxic smoke from a fire at a pharmaceutical plant.
About 80 firefighters are tackling the blaze at Armstrong Medical Services, in the Wattstown Business Park.About 80 firefighters are tackling the blaze at Armstrong Medical Services, in the Wattstown Business Park.
The Fire and Rescue Service said a small amount of chemicals was involved in the fire. However, a large smoke plume is drifting up to 15 miles away. The warehouse contained chemicals and a large plume of smoke is drifting up to 15 miles away.
Residents in the Windy Hall estate have been moved out of their homes and have been taken to a nearby arts centre. About 175 homes in the Windy Hall estate and another 400 homes in Knocklynn and Newbridge have been evacuated.
Residents have been taken to an arts centre in Portstewart and Coleraine Leisure Centre.
The blaze broke out at about 1730 BST and when fire crews arrived they found a well developed fire in a large two-storey warehouse building.The blaze broke out at about 1730 BST and when fire crews arrived they found a well developed fire in a large two-storey warehouse building.
Although the fire is now under control, the emergency services are also urging residents in Knocklynn and Newbridge Park to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors shut.Although the fire is now under control, the emergency services are also urging residents in Knocklynn and Newbridge Park to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors shut.
Fire crews have been damping down the buildingFire crews have been damping down the building
A large store at the back of the plant has been destroyed.A large store at the back of the plant has been destroyed.
Roads in the area have been closed.Roads in the area have been closed.
Armstrong Medical was established in 1984 to manufacture and sell respiratory disposable products for critical care applications.Armstrong Medical was established in 1984 to manufacture and sell respiratory disposable products for critical care applications.
Ulster Unionist Norman Hillis expressed fears for the jobs of almost 70 staff at the plant.Ulster Unionist Norman Hillis expressed fears for the jobs of almost 70 staff at the plant.
He added: "The fire could leave the immediate future uncertain for staff at Armstrong Medical Services.He added: "The fire could leave the immediate future uncertain for staff at Armstrong Medical Services.
"The company is one of Coleraine's most successful businesses and it has only recently expanded premises at Wattstown Business Park."The company is one of Coleraine's most successful businesses and it has only recently expanded premises at Wattstown Business Park.
"The extent of the damage is not yet clear but certainly it is a major blow to this progressive company.""The extent of the damage is not yet clear but certainly it is a major blow to this progressive company."