LAST UPDATE | 10 Mar

WICKLOW COUNTY FIRE service and other emergency services are currently at the scene of a large fire in Bray, it is understood several people have been rescued. 

Gardaí have confirmed that the blaze has happened at a “domestic residence” on the Lower Dargle Road, Bray Town, Co. Wicklow.

The alarm was raised at approximately 5am and fire crews from Dublin and Wicklow were on site within minutes. According to Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady, a number of people were trapped inside when firefighters arrived.

Nine people have been brought to hospital with non-serious injuries, Brady said, and several people needed to be rescued from the building.

It is understood that the locally-owned building was converted to provide mixed-unit, private-rental accommodation in Bray and most of the flats have a single occupant.

Brady told The Journal that the apartment building has been badly damaged and work will begin shortly to make sure those injured have somewhere to stay.

The TD said: “This highlights the extraordinary work that fire service do. When everyone is trying to run away from fires and escape from fires, [fire fighters] are entering buildings – as we saw last night.”

“Their swift and heroic actions certainly can’t ever be underestimated. It’s lifesaving work at very, very challenging times,” he said, adding that the incident is likely to spark discussions again on the need for a full-time fire station in Bray.

Brady said the fire fighters’ actions directly saved the lives of the nine people that are now receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, who he wished a quick recovery.

Includes reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill