Tycor Inferno - ‘We hope businesses can rise from the ashes and rebuild’

Firefighters who battled the horrific fire that destroyed many businesses and caused thousands of euros in damage at the Tycor Business Centre have extended their support to those affected by the events on Saturday evening.

Shortly after 6.30pm on Saturday, the fire services arrived at the scene of what was initially believed to be a fire confined to the middle section of the Business Centre, but it soon took hold, causing significant damage to the former Jute Factory.

Flames ripped through the building, which was first opened in 1937, as firefighters from the Waterford City division were joined by many colleagues from the county and Kilkenny in trying to bring the blaze under control.

Emergency services remained at the scene of the devastating fire overnight, where it was eventually brought under control by the heroic work of the fire service, who have also thanked the public for their support and understanding.

In a statement, Waterford City Fire Service said: “As most are aware, we attended a serious commercial incident in the city last evening into this morning.

“Crews battled for many hours to try to contain and stop the spread of the fire, which was vast.

“We would like to thank the public for their kind words of support and their help in staying away from the scene and letting us operate safely, and also for heeding the public health warnings.

“We would also like to thank all the supporting Brigades that attended to augment our response, namely, Tramore, Dunmore, Portlaw, Cappoquin, Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan fire stations, and a big thanks to Kilkenny City Fire Brigade for a super response when called upon to help their close neighbours.

“We also feel for the 40-odd business owners who are waking this morning to the loss of their businesses, and hope they can rise from the ashes and rebuild.”