A shopkeeper has said he is “devastated” after his shop was severely damaged in a fire in Newry.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said on Monday that it believed the fire was accidental.
At its peak, about 50 crew members responded to the incident.
Authorities believe the outbreak began at the kart racing centre shortly before noon on Saturday and then spread to two other facilities.
Brian Murphy, director of furniture showroom House of Murphy, one of two other stores badly damaged in the fire, said his family had just celebrated 50 years in business.
Mr Murphy thanked the firefighters and farmers who worked hard to put out the blaze, as well as local people who helped.
“It might make things a little easier during these difficult times,” he said.
“We know there was a fire somewhere in the back and then our store obviously caught fire.”
He said the showroom was open for business when the fire broke out.
“I don’t think there’s anything left.”
“There were customers inside the store that we escorted outside and then the fire alarm went off and everyone gathered at the front of the store,” he said.
Murphy said damage to the unit was “extensive.”
“To be honest with you, I don’t think there’s anything left,” he said.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) announced on Sunday evening that the fire had been put out.
NIFRS said access to the site would be limited due to health and safety concerns.
On Saturday, a senior NIFRS commander also expressed gratitude to local farmers who helped transport water to the site using sludge tanks.
“I can’t say enough good things about them,” Paul Gould told BBC News NI.
‘Dangerous situation’
“The use of their farm vehicles and assistance was invaluable.
“Initially, when we didn’t have enough resources, they assisted us with machinery, they provided water and they still do.
“So I really want to thank each and every one of them.”
Mr Gould said the fire had “grown considerably” by the time firefighters arrived and officers were working in “dangerous conditions”.
He added that the fire was complicated by the “layout and construction of the building.”
Gould said Saturday that a “significant amount of resources” were being deployed to fight the fire – six pumping units, two aerial firefighting units and one control unit.
Firefighters from Newry, Warrenpoint and Belfast took part.
NIFRS advised residents to “keep all windows and doors closed within the area.”
Roads around the site have since reopened.
