Blaze Ravages Iconic Supermarket Causing Extensive Destruction
A significant fire caused extensive destruction to the iconic Bernie’s SuperValu supermarket in Roscrea, County Tipperary, on Monday night. The emergency services responded to the alarm at approximately 2 a.m., mobilizing resources from multiple locations.
Emergency Response to the Blaze
Fire crews from Roscrea, Templemore, Nenagh, Cloughjordan, and Limerick worked together to contain the blaze. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. As a result, several areas in Roscrea’s center were closed for several hours while the situation was managed.
Community Impact and Reactions
Local Gardaí reported no injuries resulting from the fire, which brought significant concern to the residents. Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Smith described the damage as a “blow” to the community. He noted that Bernie’s SuperValu has been a staple in Roscrea for decades.
Cllr Smith expressed the community’s feelings: “We feel numb and powerless because people want to help. It’s devastating for the owners and for the community of Roscrea.”
Supermarket’s Statement
In a statement, the owners of Bernie’s SuperValu announced the store’s closure until further notice. They expressed gratitude for the quick response from emergency services and confirmed that no staff were harmed in the incident.
- All staff members are safe.
- Emergency services effectively extinguished the fire.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation.
- Authorities currently do not suspect foul play.
As investigations continue, the owners thanked the community for their support and reassured customers that they are collaborating with the relevant authorities to determine the fire’s cause.
