WATCH: Firefighters tackle suspected arson at Antrim industrial estate

Q Radio News

Firefighters have tackled a large blaze at an industrial estate in Antrim, which they believe was deliberately started.

Antrim and Newtownabbey police were called to the fire in Stiles Way at the Rathenraw Industrial Estate around 8.30pm.

Roy Purvis, Group Commander at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, told the PA news agency 38 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze, with six appliances.

PSNI: Stiles Way in Antrim is currently closed in both directions due to a large fire at a nearby industrial estate. Police are asking motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area while emergency services tackle the blaze. pic.twitter.com/ulEVS7J8Q5

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 19, 2021

He said it started in a single lorry on Tuesday evening before spreading to around 30 other trailers.

Foam and water jets are being used by firefighters to tackle the blaze and to bring it under control.

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: 

“NIFRS responded to a fire in a yard in Rathenraw Industrial Estate, Greystone Road, Antrim at 8.35pm on Tuesday 19 October 2021. 

“At the height of the incident there were five Fire Appliances, an Aerial Appliance and a Command Support Unit in attendance. 

“Firefighters worked hard in challenging conditions to tackle the fire. They used 6 water jets and a foam jet to extinguish the blaze, and also assisted with moving plant machinery to a safe location to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. Unfortunately 18 lorry trailers were destroyed by the fire. 

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 1.33am on Wednesday 20 October.”

Meanwhile detectives from the PSNI say they are investigating the incident.

A PSNI Spokesperson said Stiles way has since reopened. 

Detective Sergeant Lyttle said: “Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. We are appealing for anyone with information and who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or have information about this incident to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1855 of 19/10/21."

 Antrim and Newtownabbey Police have asked residents near the estate to “stay indoors and keep their windows closed due to large amounts of smoke in the area”.

🎥 Extensive damage has been caused at Rathenraw Industrial Estate in the Styles Way area of Antrim following a major fire last night.

It’s believed a lorry caught fire and spread to a truck containing plastic, as well as 30 other trailers. pic.twitter.com/4jr6l7epVy

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 20, 2021

Several nearby residents and local South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron have reported on social media hearing a number of large explosions from the fire.

Ms Cameron, who is also an Antrim town resident praised firefighters for tackling the blaze, which has now been brought under control. 

She said it was also a dramatic evening for local people.