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LAST UPDATE | 10 May
A MAJOR FIRE at an industrial estate in the Tycor area of Waterford city has been brought under control, the council said this afternoon.
The fire broke out at a commercial premises at the old Jute Factory on Tycor Avenue at around 6.30pm on Saturday evening.
Waterford City and County Council said there has been extensive damage to the building, and that an analysis to determine if asbestos is on the roof is being carried out. Fire service operations will continue at the site for a number of days.
Fire brigades from Waterford City Fire Service, Tramore, Dunmore East, Portlaw and Dungarvan were drafted to tackle the blaze.
Significant flames could be seen above Walsh Park for the latter half of the Waterford v Cork game in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship.
Emergency services remained at the site throughout the night to bring the fire under control. It is understood that people living in nearby homes were evacuated.
Waterford City and County Council said no casualties have been reported. However, it said the building has been extensively damaged and fire service operations will continue at the site throughout the coming days.
The streets within the immediate vicinity of the site – Morrisons’s Avenue, Griffith Place and Tycor Avenue – remain closed. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as operations continue.
Waterford City and County Council’s management team met with the HSE this morning and said the public health advice remains to avoid the immediate area and to close all doors and windows if there is a smell of smoke in the vicinity.
“While the presence of an asbestos bound cement roof on the building has not been confirmed, following a risk assessment, the Local Authority is proceeding on the basis that asbestos is present,” a spokesperson said.
They said an analysis with an environmental consultant and a construction specialist is currently taking place.
As a precautionary measure, it is advising members of the public within the immediate vicinity of the site to close windows and doors and not to touch or remove any debris.
They are also advised to dampen down or lightly sprinkle surface dust particles with water and to avoid cutting or mowing grass.
“If you are experiencing health effects, please seek medical attention,” a spokesperson added.
DG Foods, a family business at the site that was affected by the fire, have thanked the emergency services for “their battle to try save our storage unit” in Tycor Business Centre.
“This will be a blip in our business and a major set back,” the Hepburn family said in a post on social media. “We will pick ourselves up in the morning and keep our business running as per usual in the six cross roads business park as this has not been affected.”
They added that they will be “working even harder to get over this set back”.
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane said the fire was “deeply frightening and upsetting” for the local community in Tycor.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, particularly residents who had to leave their homes, those left without electricity or gas, local business owners facing potential damage to their premises,” the party’s health spokesperson said.
“Many local services providers also have premises at the location and they will be extremely worried and anxious this morning.”
He commended the fire service, gardaí and all other agencies involved “for their courage and professionalism in responding to this serious fire and protecting the public.”
Also speaking this morning, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness said the immediate priority must be public safety, support for affected residents and businesses, and ensuring that all necessary follow-up measures are put in place.
“Deputy Cullinane and I will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that the community gets the support it needs.”
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