Firefighters hailed as fire tragedy averted in Buncrana

The work of the Donegal Fire Service has been hailed after five people - including one child - were rescued from a burning building in Buncrana.

A tragedy was avoided thanks to the swift action of the firefighters who responded after the alarm was raised.

Just after 1am, the emergency services rushed to the scene of a blaze in an apartment above Bella Forno (Town Clock).

The blaze is understood to have broken out in an area of a building being used as international protection accommodation.

While early indications suggest that the fire was not started maliciously, a full investigation will take place.

“I think it's worth a public word of gratitude for our local fire fighters after their life saving actions last night,” Councillor Jack Murray said.

“Had it not been for the professional and extremely brave actions of local members of our fire brigade then we'd be reflecting on a horrendous tragedy this morning.

“Thankfully those men were able to bring five people to safety and I’m hopeful that they'll make a full recovery.”

Several people who were in the building were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment for possible smoke inhalation.

Councillor Murray said: “Our firefighters were recently forced to take industrial action for better conditions but they really showed their true value. Lads, on behalf of everyone in this community - thank you.”

Gardai have launched a probe into the fire.

A spokesperson said: “Preliminary indications are that the fire started and was confined within one room within the building.

“An Garda Síochána will carry out a technical examination of this fire scene, which will determine the course of any other investigations.”