Gardaí have begun an investigation into the cause of the fire which destroyed the upper floors of a Dublin city centre building last night. A dozen units of Dublin Fire Brigade attended the fire at Huguenot House just off St Stephen's Green which houses the headquarters of News International, publishers of The Sunday Timesand The Sun.
|
The fire is believed to have broken out in a penthouse apartment in the building at around 7 p.m.
A number of buildings adjacent to the building, including the Shelbourne Hotel, were evacuated.
Gardaí said the hotel had not been under threat but some smoke had seeped in and it was decided to evacuate for safety reasons. A small number of staff working late in nearby offices were also evacuated as were diners at the Unicorn restaurant.
A Dublin Fire Brigade spokesman said: "Twelve appliances were been called to the scene and 60 firefighters were involved in the operation.
"With that many officers at the scene this will be classed as a major blaze."
It was feared the blaze would spread after firemen were reportedly unable to control the fire but the situation was eventually stabilised. Gardai and firefighters remained at the scene overnight and an investigation has begun.
A number of roads were closed and traffic was diverted.