New images emerge of Lurgan blaze at iconic house with a call for action to transform dilapidated buildings into assets
As new images emerge of firefighters tackling the blaze following an arson attack on an iconic building in Lurgan, calls are made to revitalise derelict buildings across the town.
At least 8 fire appliances and two water tankers were tasked to the Windsor Avenue area of the Co Armagh town with the PSNI and the NI Ambulance Service attending.
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It is understood the blaze started around 1am on Saturday morning in a building close to the New Haven Cafe in Windsor Avenue. There were no reports of any casualties.
A spokesperson for the NIFRS revealed 2 Appliances from Lurgan Fire Station, 2 Appliances from Banbridge Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Portadown Fire Station, 1 Aerial Appliance from Springfield Fire Station, 1 Appliance from Dromore Fire Station, 1 Appliance and Command Support Unit from Lisburn Fire Station, 1 Water Tanker from Pomeroy Fire station and 1 Water Tanker from Warrenpoint Fire Station attended the incident.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 4 jets to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 4.05am.”
PSNI detectives appealed for information following the incident describing it as ‘arson’.
Detective Sergeant Lewis said police were told of the fire shortly after 1am. By the time the fire was extinguished ‘significant damage was caused’.
“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/
New Haven Cafe reassured customers their building was unaffected by the blaze. “New Haven was luckily unaffected by the fire in the adjoining building. We are very grateful to the fire crews who worked through the night protecting us and sincerely hope no one has been injured.”
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said: “Everyone will know this well-known and historic building in the town centre. 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.”
Sinn Féin councillor Keith Haughian said: "This area has a number of homes and well established businesses that provide employment and contribute greatly to the local community. Thankfully none have been impacted too severely.
"While the property itself was unoccupied, the potential consequences of this could have been far more severe. It is only thanks to the swift response of the Fire and Rescue Service that the fire was contained and no injuries were reported.
"This incident also highlights a deeper issue that can no longer be ignored — empty, dilapidated buildings that serve no purpose.
"Instead of allowing properties to fall into disrepair and attract anti-social behaviour, we should be transforming them into assets that bring pride and opportunity back to our town.