The Clare County Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene of a large fire at Bredin's Hardware Store, Station Road, Ennis at 5.59am today (Wednesday, 7th November 2007).

On arrival at the scene of the blaze, the Fire Service requested additional resources. These resources were deployed from Shannon, Ennistymon and Scariff. As a result of this request for assistance, arrangements were put in place to ensure that adequate fire cover was provided for the remainder of the county.  In total 3 fire tenders, two water tankers, one emergency tender and one high reach fire-fighting appliance was deployed at the scene.

Staff from the Water Services Department of Clare County Council were notified at 6.19am to facilitate diversion of maximum water flow to the area in question.  While the quality of flows and pressures available in water mains generally varies, it is normal procedure that back-up of the type described would have to be deployed in relation to the scale of incident, which occurred at Station Road this morning.  The diversion of maximum water flow to the Station Rd. area ensured that the Fire Service's capability to contain the fire was maximised.

The primary objective was to prevent fire from spreading to adjacent residential and commercial properties in the area.  This goal was achieved and fire personnel have was brought the blaze under control at 8.30am (approx).

Up to 20 local residents living adjacent to the scene were evacuated, as a precautionary measure, but have since been allowed to return to their homes.  Local commercial premises remain closed off.

Fire Service personnel remain at the scene of the fire where they are continuing to damp down pockets of fire.  A large section of the affected building has been destroyed by the blaze.

The cause(s) of the fire is, as yet, unknown.  An Garda Síochana will be conducting an investigation, with the assistance of the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Fire And Rescue Service is available for interview.  To arrange please call Mark Dunphy on 086-8534900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
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