Northern Ireland

Fire at former Derry school ‘started deliberately’

Fire crews dealt with the blaze at the former school in Derry on Sunday. PICTURE: NIFRS
Fire crews dealt with the blaze at the former school in Derry on Sunday. PICTURE: NIFRS

A fire at a former school in Derry was started deliberately, the fire service has said.

Around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at the derelict site of the former Faughan Valley High School on Sunday night.

Fire crews were called to the scene on the Drumahoe Road at around 8.15pm with seven pumping appliances and one aerial appliance used.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said that the blaze was in a “two storey section of the building”.

Residents living nearby were told told to keep doors and windows shut as crews worked to tackle the fire.

It was put out shortly before midnight.

On Monday, the NIFRS said that the cause of the fire was “deliberate ignition”.



Police also said the fire is being treated as arson.

“Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries,” a spokesperson said.

“However, there has been significant damage to the building as a result of the blaze.

“The fire is being treated as arson and we’re appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or has any information, to contact us.”

Faughan Valley High School amalgamated with Clondermot High School in 2004 to form Lisneal College.

Fire crews also dealt with a blaze at the site in November 2023.