The owner of a business that suffered a 'tragic fire' early on Wednesday morning has thanked firefighters for being "fantastic".
At the height of the blaze, 41 firefighters were at the scene of Ashvale Farm Shop on Old Ballynahinch Road on February 9.
The business recently opened their new extension and were continuing on working on their upcoming new garden centre.
Their kitchen has now been completely gutted by the fire, with no cause yet established.
Posting an update to customers on Wednesday, Ashvale Farm Shop said: "Due to a major fire at Ashvale this morning, we will be closed for the foreseeable. We will give further details in due course. The Herron Family."
Speaking to Belfast Live, one of the owners William Herron said: "[We] had a tragic fire this morning, the fire service was called at about half past six, we've lost all of our kitchen but the response has been fantastic and we were able to save the majority of the seated area of the shop, the new bit, the extension, so I suppose we are a bit lucky in that regard.
"Everyone is safe and well, the staff have all been notified, people have been so good, we have had a lot of people ringing and texting - in any way that they could help, they would, you know. We have been very lucky that way. Nobody has been hurt.
"The response has been fantastic from the fire service. They arrived very quick and were on scene and they focused their efforts on trying to preserve the rest of the building. They done a fantastic job and I couldn't praise and thank them enough for their hard work.
"I lost count of the amount of fire engines even, and then there was a shortage of water so they had to bring in tankers and even had to start feeding from the pond out the front. Thank you very much to all of them. It is fantastic, the work that they do."
He added: "It is tragic the way things have happened but in the grand scheme of things, it could have been a lot worse. But you know what, it has happened and we will all come together and get back up and running, and build back better.
"I had a word with my dad and my family and although it looks terrible and it's bad... All the staff, I've been talking to them, we are already in plans to get stuck in and make the most out of it and build back and get open to the public, and welcome everyone back.
"We will know better in the next couple of days.
"We will be wanting to get stuck in immediately."
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson MP said: "So sorry to hear this news about the fire at @AshvaleFarmShop Our thoughts are with Edward, Julie and their staff. Hope that this excellent local business can get back up and running again soon. Thanks to the firefighters and others who attended the scene."
Local councillor Andrew Gowan added: " @AshvaleFarmShop is a fantastic family business and is greatly valued by the local community and beyond. It is devastating to see the destruction caused by fire last night. My thoughts are with the Herron family this morning who have grown the business so much over recent years."
On Wednesday morning, councillor and assembly candidate Sorcha Eastwood said: "Really concerning to hear that NIFRS are tackling a blaze at Ashvale Farm Shop, especially after they've invested so much in redecorating. Hope everyone is safe and that the fire can be brought under control."
She later added: "Just seen some pictures of the aftermath of the fire at Ashvale, so, so sad. Grateful that no one is hurt, but a beautiful new extension on a treasured established business is completely gutted. Devastated for them."
Earlier on Wednesday morning, NIFRS Group Commander Suzanne Fleming said: "NIFRS are attending a well-developed fire in a storeroom on Old Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn.
"Firefighting conditions were challenging on arrival, and firefighting operations include crews wearing Breathing Apparatus, and various water jets are in use to prevent fire spread.
"Approximately 41 firefighters attended the scene, 6 appliances – 2 x from Lisburn, 2 x from Belfast, 1 x Ballynahinch and 1 x Carryduff, an Aerial Ladder Appliance from Belfast , Water Tanker from Warrenpoint and a Command Unit from Kilrea were in attendance.
"Firefighting operations are ongoing. All persons accounted for, cause of the fire is undetermined at this time."
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