27-05-2025
Fundraiser set up for Co Down homeowners left with ‘nothing but the clothes on their back' after fire
A fundraiser has been launched to help homeowners left with 'nothing but the clothes on their back' after a devastating fire ripped through a number of terraced homes in Drumaness last week.
More than £4,000 has been raised in less than a week.
Police were made aware of a house fire around 3.25pm on May 20 in the Cushowen Place area of the Co Down village.
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. Police attendance was not required.'
At least six fire appliances were dispatched, as well as an aerial appliance and a Command Support Unit.
They said the fire involved an oil tank and the incident was concluded in a matter of hours, adding that 'an investigation to determine cause will follow'.
Approximately four homes were badly damaged in the incident: two caught fire and their roofs caved in; two were damaged from smoke and water in efforts to extinguish the inferno.
A day later, an online fundraiser was launched by members of the Drumaness and District Community Association to support the families left temporarily homeless due to the blaze.
Member Margaret McAlister said she could see smoke from her house, just a few streets away.
'I could see the thick black smoke billowing up, and my first thought was: is my son OK? Because he lives in that direction,' she said.
'Thankfully he was OK. But then I heard what had happened and my first thoughts was: I hope everyone is all right and no one was hurt.'
No one was taken from the scene with any injuries, but two homes in particular were completely gutted.
'It is just awful. One was a single man and the other was a family of four, and they have been left with nothing. Everything was burnt,' said Margaret.
'We then decided as a community group to come together and support the family when they really need it most.
'We first of all put an appeal out for basic clothing and shoes and we were just overwhelmed with donations. The first day, we must have received about 12 bags of clothes and shoes.
'People also donated toiletries and food. One person even offered to donate a bed, but obviously they don't have anywhere to live at the moment, but it was a nice gesture all the same.
'That's when we thought the fundraiser would be best: we could give the families the money to buy whatever they need once they get back on their feet.'
News Catch Up - Monday 26 May
'When I told them what we were doing, [there were tears]. It was overwhelming for them. Both people have lived in those homes for more than 25 years, so that's been their whole life.
'So this is just something small we can do for them. It's nice to see the village come together.'
Ballynahinch Credit Union donated £1,000 to the fundraiser and Asda Downpatrick offered those affected £600 towards a food and household shop.
A concert is being held on Friday, June 6 at Drumaness Gaelic Club by Andrea Rice and other musicians, with proceeds also being donated to the fundraiser.
