Gardaí suspect fatal fire started deliberately

GARDAÍ were last night checking the scene of a house fire in which one man died to see if it was started deliberately.

A man in his early 40s died in the blaze at the red-brick house in Cabra Park, Phibsboro, on Dublin’s northside.

The house had been split into three flats and it is understood the man who died was one of two staying in one of the flats.

It is understood the man’s flatmate went out shortly after 11pm and when he returned not long afterwards the house was on fire.

Four units of the Dublin Fire Service attended the scene of the fire and it was just after 3am before it was brought under control.

It is understood the victim was found on a second-floor landing and was taken from the building by firemen fighting the blaze.

The man, understood to be Irish, was rushed to the Mater Hospital while an ambulance crew attempted to save his life. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Two other men, living in another flat in the building, were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. They were later released. Three other occupants were unharmed.

Gardaí sealed off the house for a lengthy technical examination, though a spokesman said it may be some time before it can be established if the fire was started deliberately.

Until then, the scene is being treated as a crime scene. State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy was expected to carry out a post mortem and his name will not be released until all members of his family have been informed.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact Mountjoy on 01-6668600 or the Garda confidential line on 1800 666111.