A historic former convent in Northern Ireland was engulfed in flames Sunday evening after a massive fire tore through the building, with authorities now believing the blaze was deliberately set, per the Irish Sun.
Firefighters arrived at the former Convent of Mercy in Downpatrick around 7 p.m. after receiving reports of the fire. The Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service sent around 70 firefighters, 10 fire engines and specialist equipment including jets as crews battled the flames throughout the night.
The fire caused large damage to the historic building, which has stood in the town for more than a century. Thick black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky as flames tore through the roof, attracting huge crowds of locals who watched fire crews attempt to contain the blaze.
Officials said the fire was eventually brought under control early Monday morning, but investigators now believe it was intentionally started. Police have launched an investigation and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The convent, which dates back to the late 1800s, had been vacant for several years. Plans had recently been approved to redevelop the property into housing for older residents, making the loss even more disappointing for many in the local community.
Residents described the fire as heartbreaking, saying the former convent had been one of the town's most recognizable landmarks for generations. Images from the scene showed much of the roof collapsing as firefighters continued pouring water onto the burning structure.
SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith recounted to the Irish Sun how a priest had been ordained in the building Sunday afternoon, “mere hours before the fire.”
No injuries were reported, but officials said the building suffered significant damage. Authorities remain at the scene as investigators work to determine precisely how the fire started and who might have been responsible.
