Dozens evacuated after fire reported at centre for asylum seekers
The fire broke out in the canteen of the centre in Kilbride Military Camp. File Picture
Around 100 people were evacuated at a reception centre for international protection applicants at an army camp in Wicklow on Monday night following a fire.
The fire broke out in the canteen of the centre in Kilbride Military Camp, with the cause understood to have been accidental.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Sources told the on Tuesday afternoon that the cause of the fire has been found to be a small electrical fault, and there is no suspicion that the fire was deliberate.
The scene of the fire was preserved overnight on Monday for an examination of the site on Tuesday morning.
It is understood that the occupants have now returned to the facility.
A statement from the Defence Forces on Monday night said: “An Garda Síochána, the Fire Brigade, and Military Police responded.
"The fire is now out, and all international protection applicants and Defence Forces personnel are safe and accounted for. A damage assessment and investigation is currently ongoing.”
The scene of the fire was preserved overnight on Monday night for an examination of the site on Tuesday morning.
Sources said that around 100 occupants were evacuated from the camp.
A garda spokeswoman said: "Gardaí from Wicklow were alerted by the Fire Service to a fire at a building complex in Kilbride, Co Wicklow at around 7.30pm this evening, Monday 25th November 2024.
She said that there were no reports of injuries, and added: "Once feasible, a technical examination will be carried, the results of which will guide the Garda investigation."
