Gardaí investigating spate of Ballybunion mobile home fires

Gardaí in Listowel, Co Kerry, are keeping an open mind while investigating a fire in which 12 mobile homes were destroyed in the nearby seaside resort of Ballybunion early yesterday.

The mobile homes were unoccupied at the time and were in a holding area at Bromore West, on the Ballybunion to Beale road.

A forensic examination has been carried out. Fire officers and gardaí are trying to establish the cause.

Sergeant Brian Fitzgerald, Listowel, said they had no idea as yet how the fire started and were conducting an open investigation.

One of the possibilities being looked at is that smouldering may have started in one of the mobile homes and fire could have been fanned by strong winds, blowing the flames towards other mobile homes.

“There were high winds at the time and the fire started some time between 1am and 3am,” said Sgt Fitzgerald.

One unit of Ballybunion Fire Brigade and two from Listowel Fire Station attended at the scene.

Gardaí were conducting house-to-house inquiries in the area yesterday.

Witnesses can contact Listowel Garda Station on 068 50820.