A MAN, aged in his 50s, has died in a house in Co Antrim.
Paddy Douglas has been named locally as the victim of the blaze, which took place at a house in the Main Street area of Ballymoney, and remembered as a “well known and liked character” in the town.
Firefighters were alerted to the inferno shortly before 7am yesterday.
Three fire appliances, two from Ballymoney and one from Coleraine and the Air Ambulance attended the blaze at the mid-terrace flat.
Douglas was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away a short time later.
The PSNI are investigating the fire but confirmed it is not being treated as deliberate.
A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a fire shortly before 7am and attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who worked to extinguish the blaze.
“This is not being treated as deliberate. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service conveyed one man to hospital where he was pronounced dead.”
A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one jet and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
“One casualty was rescued from the property and transferred to the care of NIAS. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.”
DUP Councillor Darryl Wilson, who had known Douglas for a number of years, told how the businessman will be missed in the town.
He said “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Paddy Douglas following a house fire in the Main Street area of Ballymoney
“My heartfelt condolences go out to Paddy’s family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss.
“A well known and liked character from our town, he will be missed.”
Cllr Wilson added: “I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the emergency services — including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service — who responded swiftly and did all they could to save him.
‘GREAT CHARACTER’
“The thoughts of our entire community are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
Alliance Councillor in Ballymoney, Lee Kane, told how he is “deeply saddened” by the news that someone had lost their life in the blaze.
He said: “I am very sorry to hear that a man has sadly passed away following the fire on Main Street this morning. My thoughts remain with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”
Cllr Kane added: “I would kindly ask everyone to avoid speculating about what happened, how it has happened, or what is going on.
“This can be very upsetting for those involved, who are already having a difficult time.”
Tributes online have described Paddy as a “real local legend” and “great character” who had a “heart of gold”.
Ballymoney’s Main Street was closed while emergency services tackled the blaze but it has since reopened.
