House 'substantially damaged' in Athlone fire

Two units of Athlone Fire Service and local Gardai attended at the scene of a fire that broke out at an unoccupied house in St Mary’s Place shortly before teatime on Monday.

Athlone Fire Service personnel were called to the scene of a house fire at Number 7 St Mary’s Place shortly after 5.30pm yesterday evening, and two units battled the blaze until it was brought under control at around 7.30pm.

The house, which has been vacant for some time, was unoccupied when the fire broke out. However, a female at the adjoining property, Number 8, and her son suffered some smoke discomfort and were treated at the scene by Fire Service personnel who administered oxygen before they were both taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Sergeant Andrew Haran from Athlone Garda Station said the house was “substantially damaged” in the blaze, the cause of which is currently under investigation.

“We would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Place at any stage yesterday afternoon or evening and may have noticed anything suspicious, to contact us on 090 64 98550 with any information they may have,” said Sgt Haran.