9:08 am, January 12, 2026
A used car dealership that fell victim to a huge fire over the weekend is open for business as normal today.
Fusco Vehicle Sales in Bangor, Northern Ireland had a major blaze rip through its workshop on Friday evening, with smoke seen billowing from the building.
The fire brigade rushed to the scene and were able to bring to fire under control but not before the building was completely ransacked by the flames.
Amazingly, nobody was injured and bosses say the majority of stock was able to be moved away from the danger area.
The firm’s sales offices were unaffected by the fire and the business is expected to be open as usual from today (Jan 12), with its service department operating from the site next door, according to boss Johnny Fusco.
In a social media post put out yesterday, the dealership paid tribute to the fire service, as well as neighbouring businesses, who were quick to help.
The firm said: ‘Firstly we would like to take a moment to whole heartedly thank the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service who were with us throughout the night keeping the rest of our site and neighbours safe.
‘We are absolutely amazed at how much of our stock and site was kept away from the fire through their work!
‘To our team, our customers, our family and friends we will be moving as quickly as possible over the coming days to ensure everybody is looked after and we are back open for business as quickly as possible.
‘Our phone lines have been redirected and are back open for any urgent queries.’
After bringing the blaze under control, the Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) confirmed that the fire was started accidentally.
A spokesman for NIFRS said: ‘At the height of the incident six appliances, one aerial ladder appliance, one command support unit, one water tanker and three officers were in attendance.
‘Firefighters utilised breathing apparatus, firefighting jets, aerial jets and unmanned ground monitors to extinguish the fire.
‘We would like to thank the public and impacted business for their co-operation.
‘The cause is believed to be accidental.’
