Six vacant apartments were “significantly damaged” in a fire in Laois over the weekend.
Crews from Rathdowney, Mountrath and Portlaoise attended the fire at an unfinished housing estate off St Patrick’s Terrace in Borris-in-Ossory on Sunday morning.
The fire was in the middle of a row of timber framed apartments, with two completely burned out and four more badly damaged.
The fire was “extensively developed, with the roof having collapsed in the middle of the building” when crews arrived, according to Assistant Chief Fire Officer Anthony Tynan.
“The cause of the fire is being investigated by An Garda Siochana – there were signs of anti-social behaviour in the building,” he said.
Firefighters used breathing apparatus along with a hydraulic platform worked to contain the fire and make the scene safe.
A search was conducted to confirm there were no occupants.
There were no injuries connected with the fire.
The fire was reported to the Fire and Rescue Service at 07:15 on Sunday morning, September 3 and firefighters were on scene until the late afternoon.
Mr Tynan said they always ensure that there is adequate cover for the county, with the fire on Sunday occupying staff from three of the county’s eight fire stations.
“Vacant properties are always at a higher risk of fire,” Mr Tynan said.
He added there have been a number of such incidents in the county recently, including one in Portlaoise town.
Previous fires at properties in Hepburn Court resulted in a number of properties there being demolished.
SEE ALSO – Watch: More video footage of Portlaoise house fire
