Large fire in Belfast city centre closes roads as residents urged 'to keep windows shut'

Group Commander David Harbinson NIFRS

The public have been urged to avoid the area around a derelict fire in Belfast city centre.

The fire erupted at around 2.40am on Wednesday in the Samuel Street area.

Motorists and the public are being advised by police of multiple road closures around the building.

"The incident remains ongoing and we would like to ask that the public avoid the area," the Fire Service said on Wednesday morning.

The Fire Service said it was called at around 2.40am.

Roads are closed at North Street, Millfield, Union Street, Royal Avenue, Gresham Street and Winetavern Street.

The scene this morning Credit: Pacemaker

There are currently six fire appliances at the scene along with 40 firefighters and eight officers and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are warning residents to keep their windows closed.

A NIFRS Spokesperson added: "The incident is currently ongoing and the cause is still to be determined.”

Fire fighters tackle the blaze in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

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