Hazardous air pollution fears rise as St Lucia barracks targeted in malicious blaze

A MALICIOUS fire ripped through the former St Lucia Barracks in Omagh on Tuesday night of last week, marking the latest in a disturbing pattern of arson attacks that has left residents alarmed and local leaders furious.

The blaze, fought by six fire engines and a command centre, engulfed part of the derelict military housing, sending thick plumes of smoke into the Tyrone night sky - and possibly toxic pollutants into the air.

As investigators continue to piece together the events of the night, pressure is mounting on authorities to secure the site and protect both the community’s health and its heritage.

“This has gone far enough,” declared former Omagh MLA Ross Hussey, who is calling for immediate intervention and the reinstatement of full-time security at the St Lucia site. “We cannot sit back and watch historical buildings be destroyed by morons.”

While fire crews worked to contain the flames, residents watched with concern as black smoke billowed into the air, raising alarms about potential air pollution and the long-term health impacts.

Experts warn that fires at derelict sites can release hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and other toxins from building materials. These pollutants can linger in the air and soil, presenting risks through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

“Repeated burning at St Lucia could be silently poisoning our town,” Mr Hussey warned. “What’s being released into the air when these buildings go up in smoke? Where is the environmental response?”

The fire comes after multiple similar incidents at the site - once the proud military and civic centre of Omagh - leading many to question why meaningful security measures have never been reinstated.

Locals trace the start of this new wave of trespassing and vandalism to a social media video filmed by what Mr Hussey described as a “clown with a camera,” which showcased the derelict houses and demonstrated how easily the site could be accessed.

Mr Hussey also directed criticism at both the Department for Infrastructure and the Ministry of Defence, demanding clarity over who holds responsibility for safeguarding the site.

“Our politicians and departments have serious questions to answer,” he said. “Omagh has been sidelined. Where is the promised investment? Where is the vision for revitalising this historic site?”

Mr Hussey, who has long championed the site as a future cultural and civic hub, says the continued destruction is not only dangerous but economically foolish.

“Each fire chips away at what’s salvageable,” he said. “Eventually we’ll be left with rubble and an expensive rebuilding programme - or worse, a toxic brownfield site no one will touch.”

He’s calling for St Lucia Barracks to be transformed into a museum and public facility, a vision he describes as “the jewel in the crown of the county town.”

Meanwhile, police are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area on Tuesday night to come forward.

“Enquiries are ongoing,” a PSNI spokesperson confirmed. “We appeal to anyone with information to contact 101.”