A devastating blaze that tore through a yard in Antrim’s Rathenraw Industrial Estate last night (Tuesday 19 October), destroying 18 lorry trailers, is believed to have been started deliberately.
A significant amount of damage was caused as a result of the fire with damage being caused to buildings and other items, as well as the trailers.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) 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.”
Stiles Way was closed for a number of hours as emergency services dealt with the blaze, but has since reopened.
Detectives investigating the fire have this morning appealed for information.
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.”
A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.