Firefighters hurt by flying debris after explosion at sawmill blaze
TWO firefighters miraculously escaped serious injury after an explosion at a burning sawmill.
The sawmill fire in Co Cork occurred as a gorse fire in Co Wicklow caused chaos for commuters with Irish Rail having to suspend Dart and commuter rail services between Greystones and Bray.
Co Wicklow firefighters fought to contain the blaze and prevent major damage to vital rain infrastructure.
The gorse fire is believed to have been started accidentally near a cliff walk overlooking the rail line.
In Co Cork, units from the county and city fire brigades raced to the premises in Lissarda after a fire was reported early yesterday morning.
Up to eight units were deployed in an effort to bring the blaze under control.
It appears that during their efforts to control the blaze an explosion took place within the factory complex.
Two firefighters were partially caught in the blast but their injuries – caused by flying debris and the shockwave – are not understood to be life-threat- ening. Both men were taken to Cork University Hospital for assessment. However, they were expected to be discharged after treatment.
At its peak, the fire was quite extensive with a plume of black smoke visible for miles around the west Cork village.