Clara pizza factory staff devastated by fire

Staff and management at a pizza base factory in Clara, Co Offaly are said to be “devastated” after a fire ripped through the premises last night.

Fire crews from Clara, Tullamore and Ferbane spent six hours tackling the blaze at the Flat Bread Company at an industrial estate at Raheen, Clara. They managed to contain the fire to one building.

It’s understood there were several members of staff working at the premises when the fire broke out. The building, which was extensively damaged, was evacuated and no-one was injured.

Local Fianna Fail Councillor Frank Moran visited the scene while the building was still ablaze. “It is devastating for the workers and the employers,” he remarked.

Cllr Moran said the employers attended the scene and were in shock. The company had been “going from strength to strength” and “had 35 people on their books,” he explained. He commended the fire crews from Clara, Tullamore and Ferbane and management at the company. Cllr Moran said their health and safety policy had played a role in getting employees out safely.

Gardai are examining the scene of the fire today. It’s not believed the fire was suspicious.