Electric fault sparks blaze at GP surgery

Electric fault sparks blaze at GP surgery

27 August 2025

AN electrical fault in the ceiling is being blamed for a fire which broke out at Killyleagh Surgery last week.

Dr Ultan McGill was in his office when he detected a burning smell on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 30 minutes later, the GP noticed black smoke coming from a fluorescent light above the reception area.

Dr McGill alerted the Fire and Rescue Service and told staff to evacuate the Downpatrick Road surgery.

“I thought it was an electrical fire so I turned the power off, rang the Fire Service and got everyone out of the building,” he said.

“A fire chief arrived first and when the fire crews arrived they cut away part of the ceiling and doused the area with water.

“Some of the joists and lathes were charred and it appears the fire had spread underneath them.”

Dr McGill said it was fortunate the fire occurred when it did and not overnight when the surgery would have been empty.

“If this has happened at one in the morning, we would not be sitting in here today. The fire probably would have gone completely under the roof. We are unlucky that the fire happened in the first place, but extremely lucky it occurred when it did.”

Dr McGill said part of the roof was damaged, but seriously as the fire was detected so quickly.

“We may have to lose part of the roof but it can be repaired and we met with our insurer last Friday,” he said.

Dr McGill revealed that the fire coincided with a problem with the surgery computer’s hard drive, which is currently being repaired.

“It could be this week before the hard drive is fixed, so we will have a disrupted service for a few days but people in the town have been very supportive and understanding,” he said.

“People appreciate the difficulties we are going through.”

Dr McGill said he did not believe the hard drive issue was linked to the fire.

“We are not fully back up and running as we can’t get documents or communication from the hospital and that is to do with the hard drive failure which might be coincidental to the whole thing,” he said.

“We are open for business, but people can’t use the waiting room as there is a big hole in the roof just outside it.”

Dr McGill added: “We are unable do any blood tests because we can’t print labels. It used to be you could hand write labels and forms but the lab won’t accept these now, so we have had to cancel testing until the hard drive is fixed.”