Published Saturday, 18 February 2012
Firefighters tackle a blaze at a Bank of Ireland building in Newry. (© UTV)
The fire at the Bank of Ireland in Trevor Hill began at around 7.30pm.
SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley was at the scene. He said the 19th century building is a historic landmark in Newry.
"It's thought the fire started in the basement or ground floor of the building and rose," he told UTV.
"There's no visible damage to the facade, but quite a lot of internal damage, if only from the water used to put out the fire.
"I'm concerned about the jobs of those who work in the bank."
It is the only Bank of Ireland branch in Newry, and Mr Bradley said the blaze will cause "a major inconvenience" to local people.
Three fire engines were at the scene and a number of windows at the property smashed in attempts to extinguish the blaze.
It is not yet known how the fire began.
It is understood a number of fire appliances have remained at the building as a matter of precaution.