Investigation underway as series of fires set in retail premises in Cork

It’s understood that gardaí are now searching for those responsible for the fires

Gardaí on Academy street in Cork following a fire in a retail premises. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

An investigation is under way after a series of fires at separate retail premises in Cork city centre on Sunday.

The fires are understood to have started in quick sucession at locations in the city from around 5.30pm.

They were quickly brought under control and extinguished mostly by staff at the scene, Cork Fire Brigade said, which had deployed a number of units to the city centre.

The scene at Grand Parade Cork on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Staff

The premises were closed for a period to allow full ventilation, and were cordoned off from the public.

It’s understood that gardaí are now attempting to track down those responsible for the fires.

Picture: Irish Examiner staff

In an update, Cork Fire Brigade said: “Crews from Anglesea Street and Ballyvolane have dealt with a number of incidents around the city this evening. All incidents were made safe and crews have now returned to home station. All routes are now reopened.” A garda spokesperson, meanwhile, said An Garda Síochána is investigating a number of instances of “criminal damage by fire” at the locations in Cork city.

The spokesperson said: “No serious damage and no injuries have been reported at this time.”