Breathing apparatus problems ‘put lives at risk’

Frontline firefighters have warned that lives will be lost unless serious problems with breathing apparatuses — first flagged in late 2012 — are finally addressed.

The warning came after the vital equipment failed for two crew members as they battled for 90 minutes to save eight people, including five children, from a burning second-floor apartment on Sunday.

During the incident, which occurred at 3.30am at Thomas St in inner city Dublin, four firefighters entered the burning building to rescue those trapped inside.