Police treat Ballymena outhouse fire as deliberate after residents evacuated

The fire which is believed to have been started deliberately on Monday in Ballymena

Tuesday 29 September 2026

Police are appealing for witnesses after a fire at a derelict property in Ballymena forced a number of nearby residents to be evacuated on Monday afternoon.

The blaze, which police are treating as deliberate ignition, broke out at an outhouse in the Larne Road area at around 2.20pm on Monday 28 September.

Outhouse destroyed by fire

Sergeant McDowell said officers responded to a report of the fire and found the inside of the outhouse had been destroyed. Smoke and water damage was also caused to neighbouring outhouses.

“Thankfully, the property was derelict, and there were no reports of any injuries.”

A number of residents in the area were evacuated while Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service crews dealt with the blaze. Larne Street was also closed for a period of time.

Police appeal for information

Police said on Tuesday morning that enquiries were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Sergeant McDowell said:

“At this stage, the incident is being treated as deliberate ignition, and our enquiries are ongoing this morning to establish the circumstances.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information which might assist, or who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, to get in touch with officers by calling 101, and quoting reference number 828 of 28/09/26.”

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.