Emergency services praised for “swift response” after fire took hold at well known building in the town centre
09:17, 19 Jul 2025Updated 13:51, 19 Jul 2025
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 19th July 2025
The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye(Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye)
A large number of firefighters spent hours tackling a major blaze at a three-story building in Lurgan overnight.
A number of nearby properties were evacuated during the early hours of Saturday, with residents asked to leave their homes as a precaution. Residents spent the night in the nearby town hall.
The incident happened at Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, in a disused building next to the popular New Haven cafe described as a “well known and historic building” by the MP Carla Lockhart.
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The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service told Belfast Live on Saturday morning the blaze was reported at 00:57 at a “three-story, detached property” that was derelict.
Operations finished at 4.15am.
“We did have quite a number of appliances at it – Lurgan’s appliance, two from Banbridge, some from Dromore, we had Springfield’s turntable ladder, we had two water tankers, a command and support unit,” a fire service officer said.
“We used jets to extinguish the fire and the building was such that we didn’t put firefighters inside, due to the risk.”
A police spokesperson said on Saturday morning that the fire is being treated as arson.
“Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a fire at a property in Lurgan in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 19th July,” a police spokesperson said.
The scene on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, where police are investigating an overnight arson attack on a property.(Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye)
Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “Shortly after 1am, we received a report that a house was on fire in the Windsor Avenue area of the town. Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, however significant damage was caused to the property.
“A number of residents, who were evacuated while emergency services tackled the blaze, have been allowed to return to their homes.
“This is being treated as arson and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 74 19/07/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”
DUP MP Carla Lockhart, in an update on social media on Saturday morning, said: “A significant fire has occurred in the building next to New Haven cafe on Windsor Avenue.
“Everyone will know this well-known and historic building in the town centre. Emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, PSNI, and paramedics, responded promptly and remain on site managing the situation.”
Posting on Facebook at around 8.30am, she continued: “Please avoid the area around the incident, as road closures are in place and access is restricted. Follow all official guidance and traffic updates. Your cooperation is appreciated to allow emergency personnel to carry out their work safely and efficiently.”
The local MP added: “I would highly commend the emergency services particularly the Fire Service, Police and Paramedics for their rapid response. They put their own lives at risk to save others.
“This event marks a loss for the local built environment, and we know it will be noted by many across the community.”
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