GARDAÍ investigating the cause of a fire in Limerick city, in which extensive damage was caused to a five-storey building in the heart of the city’s Georgian Quarter, said they do not suspect foul play.
Firefighters attached to Limerick City and County Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the blaze around 7am this morning.
There were no reports of injuries, however, “extensive damage” was caused to the interior, said a reliable source.
The building, located at Barrington Street, is used for office space by a number of local businesses.
Seven units from the city’s fire service supported by two units from Shannon Fire Service, Co Clare, fought the fire for nine hours.
Officials from Limerick City and County Council, gardai, and fire personnel performed safety checks of the building and surrounding area.
Several floors inside the building sustained smoke damage.
It was not known if there was anyone in the building at the time the fire started, however, a reliable source said that there was no evacuations.
Substantial plumes of smoke could be seen billowing out of the building for serval hours.
Limerick-based Former Secretary-General at the Department of Finance, John Moran, tweeted a number of aerial video clips and photographs of firefighters when describing their “bravery”.
“Hopefully no one hurt. Please continue to be vigilant in all matters,” Mr Moran tweeted.
A garda spokesman said: “Gardaí were alerted to fire at a business premises on Barrington Street, Limerick city at approximately 7.00 am on 19th March 2020.”
“Gardaí and Emergency services attended the scene.”
“Gardaí are satisfied there are no signs of foul play.”
The spokesman said there were “no injured parties”.
“Barrington Street remains partially closed at this time,” they added, at 5.38pm.
