Over 50 firefighters are battling a major blaze at Whiteabbey Hospital in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service received the emergency call at 11:09am on Sunday morning.
Six fire appliances, two aerial appliances, and 51 firefighters are currently at the scene. The emergency response includes a Command Support Unit and other specialist vehicles to tackle the hospital fire.
Emergency Response Details
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "Members of the public are asked to please avoid the area help support firefighting operations. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed."
According to the Daily Star, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have gained access to the building. A decontamination zone has been established due to asbestos concerns at the facility.
Safety Concerns
The Daily Star reports that firefighters required their gear to be cleaned and bagged after exiting the building due to contamination concerns. Multiple fire stations are involved in the response, including Glengormly, Whitla, Westland, Springfield, and Cadogan.
Whiteabbey Hospital provides rehabilitation care for patients following acute hospital treatment. The facility serves as a key post-acute care centre in the Co Antrim area.
Ongoing Situation
The emergency response remains active as firefighters continue their operations. Public safety warnings remain in place with residents urged to keep windows and doors closed while emergency services work to contain the blaze.
Sources used: "Belfast Live", "Daily Star", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
