VIDEO: Warning about leaving fires unattended after flat gutted

Senior fire officers have issued a warning about leaving lighted open fires unattended after a city flats complex was gutted in a huge blaze yesterday.

Firefighters believe the blaze, which destroyed a three-storey flat in the Bellview complex off Cork’s Old Youghal Road, started after a fire, lit in a fireplace on the first floor of the building earlier in the morning, was unattended when the occupants left their apartment some time after 9am.

The alarm was raised at 10.20am when smoke was spotted billowing from the complex. The plume of smoke could be seen across the city.

Two units of Cork City Fire Brigade rushed to the scene where they found the blaze had taken hold of the building, with thick smoke and flames shooting from the windows.

It is believed the blaze could have been burning for well over an hour at that stage.

Two teams of firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building amid fears people were trapped inside. But after a thorough search, it was confirmed the complex was unoccupied.

It was confirmed a short time later that the neighbouring buildings were also vacant.

The firefighters managed to bring the fire under control within 40-minutes, but it destroyed the apartment and gutted the two upper floors of the building.

The neighbouring buildings also suffered extensive heat and smoke damage.

Edward Buckley, third officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, described it as a serious blaze which could have had very consequences for anyone who might have been trapped in the building.

“It was quite an intense blaze and we were concerned in the early stages that people were trapped inside, or that people could have been in the neighbouring buildings,” he said.

“It should serve as a warning to people about the dangers of leaving fires unattended. It’s one of our constant messages in our community fire safety initiatives.”

Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours to ensure the fire didn’t re- ignite.

It is understood that arrangements were being made last night to house the family who live in the gutted complex.