Police treating fire in Ballymoney yesterday as deliberate

Q Radio News/PA

A fire on the Ballymena Road area of Ballymoney yesterday afternoon is now been being treated as deliberate by Police.

More than 100 firefighters from across Northern Ireland had been dealing with the blaze at an industrial premises in County Antrim, that is now under control.

The fire was reported shortly after 4.30pm yesterday at the former Fleming Poultry site in Ballymoney.

Motorists are advised to avoid the Ballymena Road area, and those living nearby are asked to keep their doors and windows closed.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service on Monday night declared a 'major incident.'

.@NIFRSOFFICIAL declares 'Major Incident’ in Ballymoney. 100+ firefighters drafted in - arrangements in place to maintain emergency cover across NI. Residents asked to stay at home, keep doors and windows closed.

Cause under investigation.

📸McAuley Multimedia
NIFRS update: pic.twitter.com/e1u5Dqm4ZQ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 22, 2021

NIFRS group commander David Nichol said: “Firefighters from across Northern Ireland are currently tackling a major fire at industrial premises, previously known as Fleming Poultry, Ballymena Road, Ballymoney.

“Currently over 100 firefighters, including nine officers, 15 pumping appliances and 10 specialist appliances are on scene dealing with the incident.”

Firefighters are battling a fire at commercial premises on the Ballymena road in Ballymoney this evening. pic.twitter.com/8qUOXPzTAQ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 22, 2021

Mr. Nichol continued: “Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service have declared this a ‘major incident’ and have put arrangements in place to maintain emergency response cover across Northern Ireland.

“NIFRS are asking local residents to remain in their homes and to keep doors and windows closed.

“The cause of fire is under investigation.”

PSNI: Police continue to appeal for the public to avoid the Ballymena Road area of Ballymoney as NIFRS colleagues deal with a large fire. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes & anyone living nearby is asked to keep their doors and windows closed.

📸McAuley Multimedia pic.twitter.com/qd2RUKrPSy

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 22, 2021

Firefighters at the former Fleming Poultry site in Ballymoney. Pictures: McAuley Multimedia