THE MANAGERS AT the bread factory that caught fire in Offaly have thanked fire services for getting the situation under control.

A fire broke out at the Flat Bread Company in Clara at approximately 5.30pm yesterday.

There were 8 staff members on site, all of whom were safely evacuated. No one was injured.

In a statement released this evening managers said fire brigades from Clara and surrounding areas were on the scene within minutes and remained on site for several hours before the blaze was fully extinguished.

We are very grateful to them for their rapid response and professionalism in dealing with the situation and particularly for their efforts to contain the fire and stop it spreading to other nearby buildings.

The factory has been extensively damaged and may need to be demolished. A full investigation into the cause of the fire has already begun.

The statement continued:

While we are deeply relieved that everyone is safe and nobody was hurt, the level of damage to the factory is severe. Engineers and consultants are now on site assessing the situation and considering the best way forward. We have briefed our staff and our customers and are keeping them all informed as we get more information regarding our next steps.

The company is now working with its insurance company, engineers and consultants “to get back up and running as quickly as possible to ensure minimal disruption to both our customers and staff”.

The business supplies dough products to Dominos Pizzas in Ireland and the UK.

Bread company catches fire in Offaly