Video: Fire crews search Portrush hotel with thermal cameras and gas monitors following smoke alert

Fire crews from across the Causeway Coast and Glens responded swiftly to reports of smoke at the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush on Tuesday evening.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) received a call at 7.05pm reporting smoke on the ground floor of the hotel, located on Main Street. In response, seven fire appliances were dispatched to the scene.

Crews attending included one appliance from Portrush Fire Station, one from Portstewart, two from Coleraine, one from Ballymoney, and both an appliance and a Command Support Unit from Kilrea.

A NIFRS spokesperson confirmed: “Firefighters were called to reports of smoke at a commercial premises on Main Street, Portrush. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the premises using a thermal image camera and gas monitors to ensure the property was safe. The incident was dealt with by 8.52pm.”

Thankfully no fire was ultimately discovered and an investigation into the source of the smoke is expected to follow.

The incident was captured by Pigeons of Scranton, a local photography and videography firm in Portrush.

A spokesperson from Portrush Atlantic Hotel, added: "Tuesday evening, smoke was detected in one of our conference rooms, prompting the fire alarm to sound.

"As a precaution, we immediately evacuated the building and contacted the fire brigade who conducted a thorough search but found no active fire.

“The smoke cleared without further incident, and the building was returned to us after within a few hours. Safety remains our top priority, and all appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the building remains operational.”