Arson is suspected as the cause of a fire that destroyed a number of businesses at an industrial complex in north Dublin yesterday.
Fire broke out at the premises of Print Services, on Bannow Road, Cabra, late on Tuesday. Although it was brought under control yesterday morning, it continued to smoulder late last night. It is not expected to be fully extinguished until tomorrow or even the weekend, a spokesman for Dublin Fire Brigade said.
At its height 14 units of Dublin Fire Brigade were at the scene, and four units were still there last night. Two injured firemen were brought to the Mater Hospital but both were discharged yesterday. One suffered a whiplash injury.
It is understood the building, which was totally destroyed, was principally used as a storage depot for printing and paper distribution businesses. Fewer than 10 people were directly employed there.
Smoke bellowed from the burning building yesterday and into last night, giving rise to reports of pollution across north Dublin. Gardaí at Blanchardstown said: "For the moment, weather conditions are in our favour", and smoke was being blown away from housing in Cabra West.
"But we have put residents on notice that if conditions change we may have to evacuate them," Supt Mick Roche of Blanchardstown said yesterday. "My understanding is that the smoke is not poisonous, but let's face it, no smoke is healthy."
He declined to comment on suggestions that the fire might have been started deliberately, adding that it would be tomorrow at the earliest before forensics or ballistic experts would be able to gain access to the premises.
However, it is understood that preliminary Garda reports indicate the building was broken into immediately before the fire started.
The owner of the building, Bailey Distribution Ltd, could not be contacted for comment last night.
