Deliberate fire destroys derelict house in Cullybackey

The blaze captured on camera on Sunday evening in Cullybackey

A suspected arson attack caused extensive damage to a derelict bungalow in Cullybackey, Ballymena, late on Sunday night, prompting an emergency response from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Fire crews were called to the scene on Dreen Road at 11.24pm on Sunday 15 June, where they found the abandoned property engulfed in flames.

Two appliances from Ballymena Fire Station attended the incident and firefighters used two hose reel jets to bring the blaze under control.

The bungalow on Dreen Road, Cullybackey pictured before the fire.

According to a statement from NIFRS:

“Firefighters were called to reports of a derelict bungalow on fire at Dreen Road, Cullybackey, Ballymena. Firefighters used 2 hose reels jets to extinguish the fire.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 1.43am (Monday 16 June 2025).”

The PSNI also confirmed they received a report of the fire shortly after 11.30pm, with officers attending the scene alongside NIFRS personnel.

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service were in attendance and extinguished the fire. Extensive damage was caused to the property but there were no reports of any injuries. The fire is being treated as deliberate,” a police spokesperson said.

Authorities are now appealing to the public for assistance with their investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1625 15/06/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.”

No injuries have been reported, and the cause remains under police investigation.