Douglas homeowners narrowly avoid explosion after hot ashes set fire to gas pipe

Four people – two parents, a child and a grandfather – were evacuated from one house and a family of three were evacuated from the second house

The latest addition to the fleet of vehicles for Cork City Fire Brigade. Picture: Larry Cummins

Homes in Douglas were evacuated on Sunday morning after hot ashes, removed from a fire grate in a house, were placed outside to cool and set fire to a gas pipe.

An explosion and major fire were avoided when a resident smelled smoke at 7am and called Cork City Fire Brigade.