Maghera: cause of blaze in building with 'asbestos present' was deliberate ignition, says NI Fire and Rescue Service
A large fire at a derelict building on the Kilrea Road, Upperlands in Maghera, has now been dealt with.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) says the cause of the blaze, which led to a warning for residents to keep windows shut, was deliberate ignition.
In an incident update, a NIFRS spokesperson said: “The initial call was received at 9.06am this morning (Wednesday 11 February 2026). Our firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the duration of the incident to ensure that the fire was brought under control and extinguished.
“At the height of the incident over 50 firefighters and personnel were involved in the operational response with appliances from Maghera, Kilrea, Magherafelt, Northland, Coleraine, Dungiven, Strabane, Pomeroy and Ballymena Fire Stations, including two water tankers and an aerial appliance.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we dealt with the incident.
“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 3.17pm.”
Earlier, police said NIFRS had advised there was asbestos present in the building with residents urged to keep their windows and doors shut. The public was also asked to avoid the area.