An investigation is underway after a 'deliberate' fire in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter .
Firefighters were called to the scene on Donegall Street just before 9pm on Saturday evening, September 21, after being alerted by staff at nearby restaurant Muddlers' Club.
It is understood the building the fire started in was empty and began on one of the top floors and spread across four to the bottom.
Chris See, Area Commander for the NIFRS, said crews believe it was started deliberately and added that the investigation had been passed on to the PSNI .
"Due to the complex internal layout, it provided a challenging environment for firefighters," he said.
"We finished at the incident at 1am and had been called shortly before 9pm. We had six appliances there at one stage and we committed 10 firefighters with breathing apparatus to deal with the fire.
"Our belief is that it was a deliberate ignition. It was over all four floors of the building and it spread from the top to the bottom of the building. No one was evacuated as we were able to contain the fire in that building, which fronts on to Donegall Street."
He added that one side of the inside of the building had been damaged top to bottom by the fire.
In a statement last night, Muddlers' Club said: "It was an eventful night at the Muddlers Club tonight. Just to let you know everyone is safe and sound and the fire crews were quick to extinguish the blaze.
"Thank you to the fast and quick action of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service.
"The restaurant was not affected by the fire in the building opposite & we will be back on Tuesday afternoon as normal. Thank you for your continued support."
The PSNI confirmed on Sunday morning that the fire is being treated as arson.
Detective Sergeant William Arnott said: "I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in and around Donegall Street, Belfast last night or anyone who has information that could assist us with our investigation to contact detectives at Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 2059 21/09/19.
"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
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