Major Overnight Fire in Little Island Warehouse Causes Millions of Euros in Damage
A significant fire devastated a commercial warehouse in Little Island, resulting in damages amounting to millions of euros. The incident took place on Sunday evening, November 16, around 11 PM. The blaze affected a warehouse situated in the Ballytrasna area, known for its industrial premises.
Impact and Response to the Fire
The fire was intense enough to be visible from Cork Harbour. Fire crews from Cork City Fire Brigade, along with support from Cobh, Midleton, Mallow, Carrigaline, and Bandon fire services, responded to the emergency. According to Victor Shine, second officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, most of the warehouse was already destroyed upon their arrival.
Details of the Incident
- Time of the first call: 11:03 PM
- Extent of damage: All contents lost, including ten trucks and large quantities of fuel
- Conclusion of firefighting efforts: Around 2:30 AM
- Injuries: One individual suffered minor smoke-related injuries
The damage to the warehouse was catastrophic. Shine remarked, “Everything inside is gone,” indicating the total loss of the contents and structural integrity. While the external structure appeared intact, the roof had collapsed, leaving the warehouse a complete loss.
Investigation and Aftermath
Firefighters focused on containing the blaze to prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings, which remained unaffected. Teams continued to monitor the site on Monday, engaging in damping down operations to ensure no lingering risk of flare-ups.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are anticipated. Fire service personnel remain vigilant at the scene, using water tanks to manage any residual hotspots. Fortunately, there were no significant injuries except for the one individual attended to promptly.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by emergency services during large-scale industrial fires and highlights the need for ongoing fire safety measures in commercial areas.
