DOWN THE YEARS Memories from days gone by

Resident’s lucky escape from fire July 2015

AN Arklow man had a lucky escape when a fire broke out at his property in the early hours of Monday morning at St John’s Villas in the town.

The fire is believed to have started in material located outside the two-storey property at around 1.30 a.m. and it is not known if the house was occupied at the time although the owner was in the area.

Arklow Fire Service quickly rushed to the scene and immediately set about tackling the blaze which quickly spread to the house itself causing significant internal damage.

The house was also water damaged as a result of the fire-fighting.

Several houses either side of the mid-terrace house were also evacuated as a precaution but they were later allowed to return to their homes.

However, the house where the fire broke out received extensive damage and is currently inhabitable. It is understood that it will require significant work to bring it backup to standard with the damage expected to cost in excess of €50,000 to fix.

The Arklow Fire Service remained at the scene until around 4.30 a.m. to ensure that the blaze was completely extinguished.

Members of the gardai and the ambulance service had also rushed to the scene although thankfully no injuries were reported.

The owner of the house is now believed to be staying with family and friends with the local community rallying around him. Gardaí are investigating the cause of the fire and anyone with any information is asked to contact them on 040226320.