Portlaoise fire crew's long battle overnight at shopping centre fire in Roscrea
Owners of landmark business grateful nobody hurt
The Portlaoise crew of Laois County Fire and Rescue Service were among multiple crews who battled overnight to put out a fire in a SuperValu shop in Roscrea.
Laois Assistant CFO Anthony Tynan told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the crew were working from 3.30am until late morning, to put out the blaze.
The management of the landmark family run business in Tipperary say they are grateful nobody was hurt in the blaze.
Fire Brigade units and Gardaí from across the Midlands were at the scene of the fire at the Bernie's SuperValu shopping centre located on Roscrea's Main Street and Gantly Road since the early hours of the morning.
Eye witnesses told the Midland Tribune that the fire was reported at approximately 3am and has devastated the interior of the landmark business which dominates the town centre and stretches from Main Street to Gantly Road.
Witnesses said flames were seen erupting from the roof of the expansive premises and that residents were evacuated from apartments above the shopping centre.
Bernie's SuperValu management thanked emergency services for their swift response and said they are grateful nobody was injured in the incident.
Bernie's are known as an institution in the heritage town, who are well known for generously supporting local charities and organisations.
Gardaí have confirmed that Main Street remains closed to traffic while crews continue to manage the incident. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and allow extra time for their journeys.
No injuries are being reported and foul play is not suspected, Gardaí said. Fire Service units from Roscrea, Nenagh, Limerick and Cloughjordan attended the scene. The fire brigade crane hose was deployed at the scene to fight a fire on the roof od the premises which was seriously damaged.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Main Street Roscrea remains closed as emergency services continue to manage a fire at a premises on Main Street. Allow extra time to reach your destination.”