The incident at the Primark building is ongoing, says the NIFRS and it’s likely to continue throughout the day.
Fourteen fire appliances and 80 firefighters are currently at the scene.
Residents and businesses in the city centre are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Shoppers were earlier evacuated from Primark after the fire broke out earlier today.
Footage captured and posted to social media shows thick black plumes of smoke and roaring flames billowing from the top floor of Bank Buildings.
Real shame to see the historic Bank Buildings up in flames! Hopefully it can be restored again. #primark #bankbuilding #fire #heritage pic.twitter.com/L8qkjizN50
— NI Rocks (@NIrelandRocks) August 28, 2018
Primark said the store had been safely evacuated.
Very sad to see such an iconic, Belfast City Centre building destroyed by fire. Very thankful to those in our emergency services who are working to tackle the blaze and avert any loss of life or injury. pic.twitter.com/02uszEJfao
— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) August 28, 2018
“Primark can confirm our Belfast store on Castle Street was safely evacuated today following a fire on the roof,” a statement read.
The Bank Buildings were designed by Sir Robert Taylor and construction began in 1785.
Motorists are advised to avoid the Castle Street area.
Diversions are currently in place at Bridge Street and High Street, Castle Street and Queens Street and Royal Avenue and North Street to allow Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service to deal with the incident.
Motorists are advised to seek alternative main routes for their journey.
