Limerick hotel evacuated following reports of fire

Guests at the Limerick City Hotel, formerly Jury's Inn, have been evacuated tonight after a fire broke out inside the hotel.

Four tenders attached to Limerick City Fire Service are at the scene.

According to a source the fire is currently spreading along the inside of the hotel.

There are unconfirmed reports a fire started in a boiler room at the hotel.

Something happening in #Limerick Fire crew beat through outside wall of #LimerickCityHotel pic.twitter.com/DIcmgBZ51x

— Rachel 🇮🇪 (@RachelDargan) September 11, 2015

Smoke can be seen emanating from the brickwork along the front facade of the building.

McGettigans Bar and Restaurant which is located on the ground floor of the hotel has also been evacuated.

According to a source a number of the rooms have been damaged by smoke.

Back up fire tenders from Cappamore in the county and Shannon in Clare are on their way to the scene.

A great outcome to this rescue this evening by Green Watch. Well done to all services involved! http://t.co/BQBC3w9ZFq

— Limerick Fire & Rescue (@LimerickFire) September 11, 2015

"They can't find the fire yet but there are lots of rooms smoke logged," said a source.

"It's spreading. Shannon and Cappamore fire units are on the way," the source added.

Firemen have torn away a large section of the front of the hotel to get to the buildings interior structure as they continue to investigate the source of the fire.

Large chunks of rubble hit the ground below as the firemen using picks hammered their way through a section of the front of the building where smoke could be seen escaping.

There are no reports of any injuries.

Members of the fire service who have responded to the scene are currently trying to trace the origin of the fire.

Gardai have closed off Lower Mallow Street and a cordon has been set up around the hotel.

A number of the hotel's guests who have been evacuated are standing outside the hotel waiting for further updates.

More to follow…