Firefighters continue to fight a significant blaze in Waterford City
Fire services continue to battle blaze at Tycor Business Park. Photo: Noel Browne
Up to 50 firefighters across the Waterford division continue to battle a significant blaze at the Tycor Business Park in Waterford City that started shortly before 6pm this evening (Saturday), as black smoke spreads across the city.
Units from Waterford City, Tramore, Dunmore, Portlaw, and Dungarvan are at the scene of the fire, believed to have started in the middle of the former Jute Factory, with firefighters struggling to bring it under control.
As Waterford and Cork went head-to-head in their Munster Senior Hurling Championship match at nearby Azzurri Walsh Park, smoke and flames billowed from the historic building, which was built back in 1937.
While it’s unclear at this stage what caused the blaze, it’s understood that it has now spread to numerous businesses within the retail park, causing significant damage to properties.
A number of residents in the Tycor area have evacuated their homes as a precaution, with electricity and gas shut off in the area.
Gardai and the emergency services continue to attend the scene and have urged the public not to approach the area. They’ve also asked that local residents keep their windows and doors closed due to asbestos concerns.
In a statement, Waterford City Council said: "Fire brigades from Waterford City Fire Service, Tramore, Dunmore East, Portlaw and Dungarvan are currently tending to a large fire at a commercial premises in Tycor in Waterford City.
"The public is advised to avoid the area around the old Jute Factory, and residents are also advised to keep windows closed."
