A HISTORIC hotel has been left gutted after a blaze broke out as over 40 firefighters raced to battle the fire this evening.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after responding to reports of a blaze at the Arms Hotel in Ballycastle shortly after 8pm.
Firefighters have been tackling the blaze at the Antrim Arms hotel this evening
Thick black smoke poured from the roof of the derelict premises as several fire crews tackled the blaze.
Images from the scene show that the fire has completely destroyed the hotel’s roof.
Over 42 firefighters from stations in Ballycastle, Ballymoney and Portrush are still on the scene, according to emergency services.
Six fire appliances and two aerial platforms are understood to be at the scene in The Diamond area of the town this evening.
An application to demolish the hotel was refused last year as the property was deemed of historic significance as it dates back to the 1700s.
In a statement online, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said its crews “are currently working hard to bring the incident under control”.
They added: “Crews are currently attending a fire at a derelict premises at The Diamond , Ballycastle. The initial call was received at 20:08hrs, Sunday 19th April 2026.
“Currently 42 firefighters from stations in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Portrush, are attending.
“Two aerial appliances, one from Northland Station and one from Springfield Station, are attending the incident along with a Command Support Unit from Kilrea Station.
“Crews are currently working hard to bring the incident under control.”
They also warned local residents to keep windows and doors closed and advised members of the public “to avoid the area”.
They added: “Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area to support firefighting operations.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we dealt with this incident.”
Local Sinn Fein rep Cara McShane expressed concerns following the devastating fire.
She said: “I am deeply concerned by the devastating fire at the Antrim Arms in Ballycastle.
“My immediate thoughts are with local residents and businesses who will be affected by this incident.
“This is an historic building and a cornerstone of the heritage in the town. However, the wellbeing and safety of those living in the immediate vicinity is my main concern right now.
“The health and safety of the emergency services is also paramount in tackling this blaze.
“Sinn Fein will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies to support those impacted and to ensure that this site and the wider area can recover as quickly and safely as possible.”
Images show that the fire completely destroyed the hotel’s roof
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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