FIRE crews are battling a huge blaze at the former North Wales Hospital in Denbigh.

North Wales Fire and Rescue were called to the derelict site just after 3am today (Friday). Motorists are being urged to avoid the area. 

More than 40 firefighters from Denbigh, Ruthin, Rhyl, Holywell, Abergele, Cerigydrudion and Mold attended the incident during the night. The service is being supported by North Wales Police. 


Photos: Terry Williams

The old North Wales Hospital, also known as Denbigh Asylum, is a Grade II listed building. It was designed by Thomas Fulljames - building started in 1844 and completed in 1848.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "The roof of the building has collapsed leaving the building in an unsafe condition. Firefighters will remain on scene for some time in order to extinguish the fire."

One eyewitness said: "There is loads of smoke coming out of it and there is a big aerial ladder."

Our photographer is on his way to the scene.