Gardaí keep open mind on cause of factory blaze
It took fire brigade crews from three different stations several hours to put out the fire at the former Seafield Technological Textiles factory in Youghal, only for it to re-ignite yesterday.
According to gardaí, smoke was spotted pouring out of the building, which is close to Perks amusements, on the Cork Road, at around 1pm on Wednesday.
The emergency services were alerted by a passerby and local fire crews were joined by units from Ardmore and Midleton.
Part of the building was extensively gutted and an asbestos roof caved in.
The fire brigade crews remained at the scene for six hours to continue damping down operations.
However, they were tasked again to the scene yesterday morning after the fire re-ignited.
A garda spokesman said they were awaiting a full report from forensic experts who examined the scene and were trying to determine how the fire was started.
The spokesman said until that report was completed they were keeping an open mind, although he acknowledged it could well be suspicious as the factory had been unoccupied for some time.
“In the meantime, we would like to speak to anybody who may have seen any suspicious activity in or around the building between midday and 1pm on Wednesday,” the spokesman said.
* Anybody with information is asked to contact Youghal Garda Station at (024) 92200.
