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Firefighters battle blaze at NI hospital
Adrian Rutherford and Kevin Scott
Today at 14:46
Firefighters are battling a fire at a Northern Ireland hospital.
The NI Fire & Rescue Service was called to reports of a building fire at the site of Whiteabbey Hospital this morning.
The Northern Health Trust said the fire is at an unused building on the site, and patient services have not been disrupted.
Fire crews were called to the area shortly after 11am.
Initially, four fire appliances were sent to the blaze, with more being requested a short time later.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus gained access to the building, which was heavily boarded up and presumed derlict; they have been battling the blaze for several hours.
Firefighters from Glengormly, Whitla, Westland, Springfield, and Cadogan fire stations were all in attendance.
Firefighters battle a major blaze in the grounds of Whiteabbey Hospital on September 28th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
A decontamination zone was created at the site due to fears of asbestos in the building.
Firefighters who were inside had to be hosed down and have their gear cleaned and bagged after exiting the building.
A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Six fire appliances, two aerial appliances and 51 firefighters are in attendance, supported by a Command Support Unit and other specialist vehicles.
“Members of the public are asked to please avoid the area help support firefighting operations.
“Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.”
A spokesperson for the Northern Trust said: “The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is currently at Whiteabbey Hospital dealing with a fire in an unused building on the hospital site.
“There is no impact on any patient services and visiting to the hospital is as normal.”
Whiteabbey Hospital, which is situated on the Doagh Road, provides care for patients requiring rehabilitation or further assessment following an acute hospital admission.
More to follow