RESIDENTS in Nenagh's main street were evacuated as fire spread to four buildings early yesterday morning. It was the Co Tipperary town's biggest fire in 30 years. Eight fire brigade units - took almost four hours to control the blaze.
It is estimated that more than £1 million worth of damage was done to four business premises on Pearse Street, Sheehan's hardware store, the electrical shop of Patrick Hoare, Mamma's Pizzeria and J. Moynan's cycle shop.
There were no early indications of the cause of the blaze which was understood to have started in Sheehan's premises which was extensiyely damaged. The other premises were damaged mainly at the rear.
Firemen, gardai and members of the public helped to remove property from the damaged buildings and a large quantity of timber was saved at Sheehan's. A passer by raised the alarm and Nenagh fire brigade was on the scene three minutes after receiving the call at 5.15 am.
Units from Nenagh, Roscrea Templemore, Newport, Cloughjordan, Borrisokane, Limerick and Killaloe arrived shortly after.
The chief fire officer for north Tipperary, Mr Karl Cashen, said the blaze was brought under control by 9 a.m. Forensic experts were sifting through the debris for clues as to the cause of the fire.