Residents in Londonderry were forced to leave their homes on Saturday following a deliberate fire at an abandoned building on Grainan Drive. The blaze broke out at approximately 06:00 BST at the former gymnasium, prompting emergency services to respond and nearby households to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the building itself was unoccupied at the time the fire started, and no injuries were sustained. However, people living in the adjoining property were required to leave their residences while firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and ensure the area was safe.
One resident described being jolted awake by the incident, recalling that they heard
banging on the dooras emergency personnel alerted them to the danger. After approximately two hours, once the fire had been brought under control and the immediate threat had passed, residents were permitted to return to their homes.
This incident is part of a pattern of suspected arson attacks affecting the Londonderry area. A previous fire at the former North West Regional College building in June 2026 was also investigated as arson, with firefighters taking three hours to extinguish that blaze. Additionally, two suspected arson attacks on vehicles were reported in Londonderry in July 2026, affecting properties on Ivy Mead and Drumahoe Road.
Investigation underway
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is treating the Grainan Drive fire as arson and is actively seeking information from the public. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant information, including footage, to contact them as the investigation continues.
