Fire at Bullitt Hotel in Belfast city centre was accidental, fire service says

By Q Radio News

A blaze at a rooftop bar in Belfast city centre started accidentally, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said.

Some 60 firefighters manning eight engines and an aerial ladder platform brought the fire at Babel Rooftop Bar and Garden, part of the Bullitt Hotel in Church Lane, under control by 10.15pm last night.

The fire service said: “Our firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the spread to nearby premises. We could (sic) like to thank the public for their patience.”

Conall Wolsey from the Beannchor Group which owns the hotel, said two rooms at the bar were destroyed, while the building was also damaged by smoke and water.

He told the BBC it “could have been a lot worse” and thanked the fire service for its response.

No-one was injured in the outbreak with all staff and guests exiting the building safely.

Roads surrounding the hotel were closed to traffic.

WATCH: Firefighters are at the scene of a blaze at Babel Rooftop bar and restaurant - part of Bullitt Hotel in Belfast city centre. pic.twitter.com/zlmQHswhuc

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 29, 2022

A PSNI spokesperson yesterday said: “Motorists are advised that Victoria Street, Belfast city centre, is currently closed due to a fire in the area.

“The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance. Please avoid the area.”

Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster said it was a very worrying situation:

WATCH: Smoke can be seen billowing from the Babel rooftop bar and restaurant - part of Bulitt Hotel in Belfast City Centre - as firefighters continue to battle the flames pic.twitter.com/Bv9Gxw3ljc

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 29, 2022