MORE THAN 100 people were evacuated from their apartments in Waterford city last night as a fire destroyed buildings in the centre of town. The fire was still burning late last night and there were fears a historic local pub may be damaged.
The fire is understood to have started in YouDecor, a DIY shop on Thomas Street in the city centre, before spreading along the roofs of various premises on adjoining O'Connell Street.
The fire started at about 6pm and spread along the roof of YouDecor and also the roofs of buildings backing on to various businesses on Thomas Street.
Gardaí and a number of tenders from Waterford city rushed to the scene and cordoned off several streets. Within the hour, the fire had spread along the roofs and down O'Connell Street on to Penrose Lane.
Residents in the neighbouring apartments were evacuated.
Gardaí last night did not know the cause of the fire, and it emerged that an investigation would be carried out today.
Hundreds lined the streets last night, and there were fears that YouDecor's neighbouring pub Downes, one of the oldest and most popular public houses in the city, would be gutted. However, the pub was last night said to be safe as the wind had been blowing away from it and towards the river Suir.
Firefighters used a hydraulic lift to combat flames, which rose to about 60 feet. Others could be seen breaking down doors on O'Connell Street and evacuating apartments.
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