A large fire engulfed an industrial unit in the Clonshaugh area of Dublin 17, near Coolock, on Thursday evening, leading to the collapse of some structures. Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) confirmed that six fire engines were initially deployed to the scene, but the number was later reduced to four as the fire subsided.

The fire, which started shortly before 5pm, originated at an industrial premises on Oscar Traynor Road. The building housed Camfil, a Swedish company specializing in air filtration systems. The fire rapidly spread throughout the building due to the combustible nature of the goods stored within, including air filter units.

Smoke and Fire Engulf the Building

Photographs captured near the site depicted flames and smoke engulfing the Camfil building in the Clonshaugh Industrial Estate. The thick plumes of smoke were visible from a considerable distance in Dublin city centre, prompting local residents to report ash landing in their gardens.

Response and Impact

DFB issued a precautionary warning to residents to close their windows and doors if they could smell smoke. The fire, which emitted a significant amount of smoke, was visible from Dublin Airport. However, airport operators DAA assured the public that operations remained unaffected and flights continued as scheduled.

Addressing the Incident

DFB initially focused on extinguishing the fire and protecting the adjacent Amazon data centre building. The exterior walls of the Amazon building were visibly blistered from the heat generated by the fire.

The Aftermath

The fire resulted in extensive damage to the Camfil building, including the collapse of the roof and a gutted warehouse section. The exterior walls also showed signs of inward caving due to the intense heat. District Officer Gerry Woods, the incident commander at the Clonshaugh fire, described the incident.

“The roof has collapsed, and that’s why it’s still smouldering.”

Despite the severity of the fire, there were no reported injuries. Gardaí are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

Evacuation and Operations

Most of Camfil’s 65 employees had left the building by the time the fire broke out, with only three administrative staff remaining. These employees were promptly evacuated upon the alarm being raised.

The incident occurred shortly after the end of the working day at Camfil, around 4.30pm. This fire is not believed to be connected with the recent incidents of arson at the nearby Crown Paints site.

A Spectacle of Fire and Smoke

The fire served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by industrial fires. The swift and coordinated response of Dublin Fire Brigade, coupled with the lack of injuries, was a testament to the professionalism of the emergency services. The incident also highlighted the importance of preparedness and safety measures in industrial environments. As investigations continue, the focus now shifts towards understanding the cause of the fire and minimizing the risk of such incidents in the future.