In the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, a significant fire broke out at a derelict, three-storey listed building on Windsor Avenue in Lurgan, County Armagh, causing extensive damage and prompting a swift emergency response. The blaze, which began shortly before 1am, forced the evacuation of nearby residents but, thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Detective Sergeant Lewis of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed the fire was reported shortly after 1am. "Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, however significant damage was caused to the property," he said. The fire operation lasted until around 4:15am, underscoring the scale of the incident.
The property, described as a prominent and historic building in the town centre, is located next to the New Haven Café, which remained undamaged and open for business despite the proximity to the blaze. Residents who were evacuated during the emergency have since been allowed to return to their homes.
Local MP Carla Lockhart expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it "a deeply distressing incident for our community, particularly given the scale and seriousness of the fire." She praised the emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, PSNI, and paramedics, for their rapid and courageous response. "Their actions undoubtedly prevented further devastation and ensured public safety. They put their lives on the line to protect others and for that, we owe them our sincerest thanks," Lockhart said.
She further emphasized the loss to the local built environment, noting, "This fire has resulted in a significant loss to the local built environment. It is a stark reminder of how quickly treasured parts of our town can be damaged or destroyed." Lockhart vowed to monitor developments closely and ensure that updates are shared as more information becomes available.
Sinn Féin councillor Keith Haughian strongly condemned the attack, highlighting the potential severity of the incident. "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," he said. Haughian also pointed to a broader issue, stating, "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." He urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.
DUP councillor Peter Haire echoed the gravity of the situation, stating, "Somebody could have been killed. We are lucky there were no injuries." He noted the proximity of the building to other homes and businesses, saying, "There are businesses and houses right beside and we could be looking at a different story today." Haire described the building as a listed structure that was "once beautiful to look at" and lamented the fact that its owners do not reside in the country. He appealed to those behind the arson to cease their actions.
Two women working at the adjacent New Haven Café, Joanne and Barbara, shared their relief that the fire did not spread to their workplace. Joanne remarked, "We are very lucky we have jobs today," while Barbara described the incident as "such a shock waking up to this." Barbara added, "No one wants this. Whoever is behind it must stop. Somebody could have been killed."
Alliance councillor Peter Lavery also condemned the suspected arson, praising the emergency services for their "swift action" in containing the fire. He highlighted the historical significance of many buildings in the area, noting, "This is an area of the town where many of the buildings possess a high degree of historical character."
The PSNI is treating the fire as deliberate arson and is appealing to the public for information. Detective Sergeant Lewis urged anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has relevant CCTV footage to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 74 19/07/25. Alternatively, reports can be submitted online via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of historic and vacant buildings to criminal acts that threaten community safety and heritage. While the immediate crisis was managed effectively, the broader issue of neglected properties remains a concern for local leaders and residents alike.
