Flames visible from hurling match as major Waterford warehouse fire tackled
Firefighters at the scene of a serious fire at the old Jute factory which made packaging in the Tycor Business Park. The fire was visible during the Cork vs Waterford Munster Senior Championship game at Walsh Park. Picture: Noel Sweeney
Waterford Fire Services have brought a major fire in an industrial estate in the city under control.
The blaze broke out on Saturday evening in the Tycor Businesses Park area of Waterford city in the former Jute factory.
Fire brigades from Waterford City Fire Service, Tramore, Dunmore East, Portlaw and Dungarvan were drafted to tackle the blaze, which broke out at the commercial premises at around 6.30pm yesterday.
Emergency services remained at the scene overnight.
Flames from the warehouse could be seen from nearby Walsh Park in the closing minutes of the Waterford v Cork Munster Senior Hurling Championship match.
In a statement, Waterford City Council said: "Waterford Fire Services have brought a major fire that broke out on Saturday evening (May 9th) in a commercial premises at the old Jute Factory in Tycor, Waterford city under control.
"No casualties have been reported, however the building has been extensively damaged and fire service operations continue will continue at the site throughout the coming days.
Waterford City and County Council is advising that the streets within the immediate vicinity of the Jute Factory site - Morrisons’s Avenue, Griffith Place and Tycor Avenue - remain closed.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as operations continue.
Waterford City and County Council management team met with HSE Public Health unit on Sunday morning.
While the presence of an asbestos bound cement roof on the building has not been confirmed, following a risk assesment, the Local Authority is proceeding on the basis that asbestos is present.
Analysis with an environmental consultant and construction specialist is taking place.
As a precautionary measure, members of the public within the immediate vicinity of the site are advised to:
- Close windows and doors
- Do not touch / remove any debris
- Dampen down or lightly sprinkle surface dust particles with water
- Do not cut / mow grass
- If you are experiencing health effects, please seek medical attention.
It is understood that some local residents have been evacuated and there are traffic restrictions in place.
The cause of the fire is not known; however, investigations are ongoing.
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