County Cork homeowners pay €1,320 for house fire callouts, while Cork City fires are free

An Irish Examiner analysis of charges nationwide finds the cost of a house fire varies wildly across the country, prompting calls for government intervention 

Fire crews remain on the scene at the R&H Hall grain store in Ringaskiddy situated in County Cork as part of the building continues to smolder. Picture Dan Linehan

Households in some counties could be faced with bills of more than €1,000 from their local authority for help with a fire in their home, while others get the same service for free, an Irish Examiner investigation has found.

An analysis of the fire service fees set by county and city councils shows huge differences in the amounts the public may be charged should they need to call the fire brigade.