Three juveniles being interviewed over Bailieboro house fire

Lucky escape for house next door to burning building in Baileborough

Three juveniles are being interviewed by gardaí over a fire which broke out in Bailieborough yesterday.

The fire devastated the derelict semi-detached house in Market Square, which was once owned by Eileen Clarke before being sold to a developer.

Gardaí said “Nobody was present in the building and no injuries were reported” at the time of the blaze on Thursday.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination while Gardaí continue their investigations.

"Three juveniles have been interviewed in relation to the matter and files are being prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau", gardaí said in a statement.

Meanwhile, one local representative expressed “relief” that the fire didn’t spread to an adjoining family home.

The fire in the empty property in Market Square was brought under control by fire crews from Bailieborough and Kingscourt fire stations before it could spread.

Acting Chief Fire Officer for County Cavan, Michael Doyle told the Celt "I understand that the property has been derelict for a long period of time, possibly up to 25 years, and that it formally consisted of a commercial unit on the ground floor with ancillary living accommodation on the upper floor. An Garda Síochána are investigating the cause of the fire."

The Anglo-Celt understands the occupied semi-detached house on the lower side of the burning building sustained some smoke damage to its upstairs but further devastation was averted by the quick response by the Cavan County Fire Service.

Local councillor Adrian Rogers lives in Bailieborough. He told the Celt the neighbouring home was just “minutes away” from catching light.

“It was very unfortunate obviously, but it was also a very lucky escape for the people who live next door,” Cllr Rogers said.

He also explained the town’s library is on the other side of the burnt-out building although it is detached from it.

Investigations into the cause of the house fire are ongoing.