Fire Ireland News Page 2

28/03/2012

Three in hospital following crash, Co. Donegal

Three people have been taken to Hospital following a two car collision in Donegal Town earlier today.
The incident between a car and a truck occurred shortly after 9am this morning on the Clar road just outside Donegal town. Gardaí and members of the emergency services attended the scene. Three people have been taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.

www.oceanfm.ie

Man killed in collision between stolen taxi and van, Co Meath

A man has died following a collision between a stolen taxi and a van in Co Meath. The taxi had been hijacked in Inchicore in Dublin at around 11.40pm last night. It is understood two men got into the taxi, one in the passenger seat and one in the rear seat. The front seat passenger then threatened the driver with a knife and demanded to be taken to a location. However the driver jumped out and the two men then drove off at speed in his car.

This car was involved in a fatal crash around 30 minutes later on the N2 Slane to Collon road. The two men in the taxi, both in their 20s, were thrown from the vehicle as a result of the impact. They were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where one of the men was pronounced dead. The second man remains in a serious condition.

A couple from the Collon area were travelling in the van - they are being treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Diversions are in place and the road is to remain closed today to allow for a technical examination at the scene. Gardaí are appealing for anyone who saw either car or the crash to come forward.

www.rte.ie

Chief fire officer to step down, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's chief fire officer is to retire after 35 years' service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and was appointed chief fire officer in February 2011, having been the acting chief from July 2010. The advocate of community safety and prevention is credited with ensuring that Northern Ireland has one of the highest smoke alarm ownerships in the UK and that fire deaths are reducing year on year, the service said.

Mr Craig said: "Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service will always be a big part of me and I am so proud to have served and protected our community over the years with such committed and courageous colleagues. That has been an honour in itself. "As chief fire officer it has been an absolute privilege to lead an organisation that saves lives and protects the public - an organisation of which I am personally extremely proud." He expressed confidence that the fire service would rise to the many challenges it faced.

Joe McKee, chairman of the NIFRS board, said: "His credentials and proven track record speak clearly for themselves. "As the highest ranking fire officer and chief executive of the Fire and Rescue Service, he has brought an unrivalled wealth of knowledge and experience to this important job - leading what is a very highly regarded and essential public service."

The NIFRS board will make arrangements for his succession in June.

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Area of Kerry identified as danger area for gorse and wild fires, Co. Kerry

A portion of mid Kerry is being identified as a danger area on a county basis for gorse and wild fires. Kerry Fire Service says the number of call outs to the area between Killorglin and Mountain Stage is very high. An interagency group looking at the problem of wildfires and gorse fires has decided to hold a meeting in order to raise awareness and help local communities. The public meeting will take place in Glenbeigh Community Centre next Monday night at 8 o'clock. Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Kerry County Council, Michael Flynn and Ciarán Nugent from the Department of Agriculture will both speak at the event.

www.radiokerry.ie

Two paramedics attacked in less than week, Northern Ireland

An ambulance crew member has been assaulted as she tried to treat a man in Downpatrick. The woman was verbally abused and pushed aside by a patient who had called for help on Tuesday night, before refusing treatment. On Saturday, a paramedic was attacked by a patient in Dunmurry.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has expressed concern at the two attacks on its staff. The paramedic who was assaulted in the Poleglass estate at the weekend received treatment for a head wound at the Royal Victoria Hospital. The ambulance crew were treating a man who, along with another man, became verbally aggressive and refused further treatment.

The patient then struck the paramedic, knocking his glasses off and stunning him. The patient was eventually taken to hospital by the PSNI and the paramedic by a second ambulance. A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "There is no excuse for such behaviour and that, where possible, those responsible for such assaults should face the full rigour of the law as a result of their actions to deter them and others from such actions."

www.bbc.co.uk

Car deliberately set on fire, Co. Antrim

A car has been set on fire in an arson attack in Carrickfergus. The Fire and Rescue Service were called to Maple Gardens when the owner discovered the interior of the car was ablaze, shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Fire fighters put out the flames. Police are working to establish why the car was targeted.

www.u.tv

Fire crews battle to save beauty spots, Co. Louth

Firefighters battling gorse fires on the Cooley Mountains last weekend have been working to protect north Louth's most scenic locations, The Argus has learned. Fire crews from Carlingford and Dundalk stations began tackling gorse fires on Sunday afternoon, in an area close to the Long Woman's Grave. 'The blaze was over quite an extensive area around White Bog,' said Carlingford station officer, Pat Gregory. He explained that they spent a number of hours battling to bring the fire under control.

'The most difficult aspect of this is access. It can take up to 45 minutes for fire crews to reach the blaze and they have to carry equipment up the mountain with them.' The station officer said that they had to return to the opposite side of the mountain towards Omeath, in an area known as ' The Mollies' on Sunday night. 'It is difficult enough to respond to these fires at night, as visibility isn't great up on the mountain. But we did have calls from people concerned about property.'

He explained that they returned on both Monday and yesterday (Tuesday) to the same area as fires continued to blaze. 'It is an area covering about two square kilometres, which is still burning around the 'Eagles Rock' location, so we will have to keep an eye on it for the rest of the week.' He added that they were also working with the forestry agency Coillte, who are anxious to protect the area's natural resources. 'It is burning just above Slieve Foy. We will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days, obviously the dry, sunny weather is adding to the problem,' said the station officer.

Olivia Ryan / www.argus.ie

Attack on brave firefighters a total disgrace, Co. Louth

When Firefighters leave the station they quite often are not sure what they will find as they rush to the scene of a blaze, but what they don't expect to encounter is a bunch of yobs throwing stones at them. Such was the scene that greeted Dundalk firefighters when they responded just after 9pm to initial reports of a rubbish fire in Cox's Demesne last week. It wasn't as if this was very late at night, but there are a couple of very disturbing aspects to this, most notably that one of the fire officers was hit on the head with a full, unopened can of beer, and only for he was wearing a very well protected helmet, some of those involved might today be facing very serious charges as a consequence of their actions.

A full can of beer can be a very potent weapon, and the fire officer could have sustained a very serious head injury only for the helmet protected him. He had gone over to the youths in an effort to try to get them to stop pelting them with stones so they could get on with putting out the fire, but the gang mentality prevailed, and he became a target as well. Some of those involved are reported to be as young as 14, and Cox's Demesne residents are anxious to point out that they believe these youths came from outside the estate, but it is the second such serious incident involving firefighters to have happened in the area in recent years.

The fire engine was also damaged, and it makes you wonder what is the mentality of these people in trying to cause serious harm to firefighters who on occasion have to put their lives at risk trying to save people from fires. Their behaviour certainly doesn't do any credit to Dundalk, and I wonder if their own houses were on fire, would they be lying in wait to ambush the firefighters as they rushed to deal with it? I doubt it very much, but no doubt they would be the very same people who would be complaining if they thought they didn't get there quick enough!

www.argus.ie

27/03/2012

Woman recieves burns following arson attack, Co. Antrim

A 53 year old woman was removed from her house by PSNI officers prior to the arrival of NIFRS appliances at Bellevue Terrace, Milltown between Lisburn and Belfast. Firefighters dealt with the fire while the woman, who was suffering from slight burns, was taken to hospital by ambulance. No smoke alarms were fitted and a fire safety visit was organised for the following day.

www.nifrs.org

Acting smoke alarm alert's occupants to fire, Co. Down

A small fire in the kitchen of a terrace house in Cline Road was dealt with by firefighters using a hosereel jet. The house was smoke-logged and one of the occupants was suffering from the effects of breathing in smoke.The 51 year old was treated with the Microvent system prior to the arrival of an ambulance, he did not attend hospital. Smoke alarms had actuated and alerted the occupants to the danger in the early hours of the morning.

www.nifrs.org

Cahir - Tipperary road reopens following tragic crash, Co. Tipperary

The Cahir road out of Bansha has reopend this afternoon following last nights horrific crash. A 19 year old man from Cork and a heavily pregnant woman, in her lates 20's and from Dungarven, were killed in the head on collision just after half ten last night on the outskirts of the village.

2 other men, who were travelling with the deceased woman, are being treated in Clonmel for serious injuries. Any witnesses to the crash are being asked to contact Tipp Town or Cahir Garda stations.

www.tippfm.com

GORSE FIRES: Number of Gorse Fire Incidents following good weather, Northern Ireland

The recent spell of good weather resulted in NIFRS resources attending a number of gorse incidents. On Sunday staff at the Regional Control Centre received 58 calls to gorse related incidents with the overall daily average number of calls received up by almost 100%.

www.nifrs.org

26/03/2012

Leitrim firefighters to be paid €5000 each under Labour Court agreement, Co. Leitrim

Nine firefighters will get compensation payments of €5000 each after Leitrim County Council agreed to "buy out" a "26 hour" allowance. The Labour Court has said the council should pay the award-which is much higher that what is allowed under the Croke Park deal-if the firefighters gave up the allowance. The allowance has been paid to firefighters for years, to compensate them working up to 26 hours extra every three months, carrying out task including filing reports on call outs.

But the set payment-worth about €400 every three months-has been made to them even if they did not work the full 26 hours. Leitrim County Council wanted to abolish the allowance, which it described as outdates. The Labour Court has accepted the allowance should go but said the workers should get the €5000 each. The County Council said it would comply with the recommendation and was "satisfied" that the dispute was now over.

www.shannonside.ie

Man killed in Co Meath collision, Co. Meath

An 83-year old man died when his car was in collision with another in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath on Sunday (24/03/2012). The man who was seriously injured in the collision was taken to Blanchardstown hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A man and woman in their early 30s who were in the second car were also taken to Blanchardstown hospital but were later released.

The crash happened on the Dublin side of the village on the old Dublin to Dunshuaghlin Road at about 12.20pm. The road which was closed for some time to facilitate a forensic collision examination has now been reopened. Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Dunshaughlin Garda station on 01 8258600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

www.irishtimes.com

Fire in derelict factory in Ballycolman Industrial Estate, Co. Tyrone

An extra pumping machine and an aerial appliance was requested to assist with firefighting operations at a derelict factory in the Ballycolman Industrial Estate in Strabane last Friday afternoon (23/03/2012). The building measuring approximately 15x30 metres needed 2 main jets and an aerial monitor to extinguish the blaze.

www.nifrs.org

2 car collision sends 5 to hospital, Co. Derry

A 2 car collision on the Buncrana Road, Coshquin outside Londonderry last Thursday afternoon (22/03/2012) left NIFRS having to release a man aged in his 60s from his vehicle. A total of 2 casualties from one car and 5 from the other (2 adults and 3 children) were all taken to hospital as a precaution.

www.nifrs.org

Firefighters cut man free from car following collision, Co. Armagh

Firefighters used hydraulic cutting gear to release a man in his 30s from his car after a 2 vehicle collision on Francis Street in Lurgan last Thursday morning (22/03/2012). Two other casualties had been removed prior to the arrival of NIFRS and all were taken to hospital by ambulance.

www.nifrs.org

Blaze severely damages property, Belfast

Extra resources were requested to deal with a fire in an apartment at The Arc building on the Queens Road in the Shipyard area of Belfast last Wednesday (21/03/2012) just before 13.30hrs. The fire on the third floor was visible from many areas and the Regional Control Centre dealt with almost 30 repeat calls in a short space of time. Breathing apparatus teams fought the fire from the stairwell in the building and also using an aerial appliance from the window. 4 main jets were required to extinguish the blaze which severely damaged the property.

www.nifrs.org

Major fire in coal storage warehouse, Belfast

Extra resources were requested to deal with a fire on the McCaughey Road in the Duncrue area of the docks in Belfast last Wednesday (21/03/2012) just before midday. Approximately 400 tons of lignite was on fire and crews used 2 main jets to damp down the fire while a digger raked the material out.

www.nifrs.org

Rubbish fire spreads causing property damage, Belfast

A rubbish fire spread to an oil tank and resulted in damage to a 2 storey semi-detached house, a garage and 3 cars in Beechill Park West, Belfast on Wednesday morning (21/03/2012). Firefighters used a hosereel jet and a main jet to deal with the blaze. Two men, one suffering from smoke inhalation and another with a knee injury were both taken to hospital for treatment.

www.nifrs.org

Suspected arson attack on Duffy's Circus, Co. Galway

Tom Duffy’s Circus has appealed for assistance in sourcing hay and straw, after 120 bales caught fire at their site on Wednesday (21/03/2012). All 120 bales that were held in a storage area on the Headford Road were destroyed around 3am but circus managers confirmed today that the fire was discovered before it spread to nearby accommodation vehicles and was quickly extinguished by the fire brigade.

While gardaí said today that they have yet to receive any report of the fire, circus management claim that the blaze was set deliberately. For safety, the hay and straw are held in a remote part of the circus site, well away from the animals. “Straw and hay are very important for our animals as it’s used as food and bedding for our horses, ponies, llamas, alpacas, donkey and zebra. Even the young lions at the circus could be affected by the shortage of straw, as it’s used as part of enrichment games in their outdoor play area,” said Marilyn Chipperfield, Stable Manager at Tom Duffy’s Circus.

“We have enough to last tonight and through to tomorrow morning, but after that we will run out. After yesterday’s delivery, our usual supplier just isn’t able to supply such a large quantity again at such short notice, we really are appealing for any assistance in sourcing more.”

Marie Madden / galwayindependent.com

Gardai investigate Ballymoe fire, Co. Galway

Gardai are investigating a fire at a grocery store in Ballymoe. The blaze broke out at Heavy’s on the Glenamaddy road at around three o'clock Tuesday morning (20/03/2012). Gardai say the shop was completely gutted while there was smoke damage to an adjoining house. No one was injured during the incident.

www.shannonside.ie

Witnesses sought after Garda dies in crash, Co. Wicklow

A garda has been killed in a single-vehicle collision near Newtownmountkennedy. The collision occurred at around 8am at Kiladreenan, Newtownmountkennedy on the northbound section of the N11 between exit 12 and exit 13 on Monday (19/03/2012). The garda was coming off duty at the time.

The 49-year-old man was brought to Loughlinstown Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Bray Garda Station on 01 6665300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any garda station. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is also investigating.

www.wicklownews.net

Gardai in Rathdrum save house from inferno, Co. Wicklow

The Rathdrum fire service attended the scene of a house fire in Rathdrum on St.Patrick's night (17/03/2012). It is understood two members of the public noticed flames in a house on the Main Street just before midnight, while making a call to the fire service they flagged down a passing Gardai unit, the Gardai entered the house and extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher from their vehicle. It is not known how the fire started and Garda forensics have carried out investigation.

www.wicklownews.net

Fire fighters put out Dublin blaze, Dublin

Luas services on the Red Line in Dublin city centre are back to normal this afternoon (17/03/2012) after they were disrupted for a time because of a fire in a derelict building. The alarm was raised just before midday when emergency services were called to a blaze at the corner of Benburb Street and Queen Street.

Five units of the Fire Brigade managed to put out the fire and no-one was injured. An engineer from the Department of Dangerous Buildings within Dublin City Council has been sent to examine the building to see if it should be pulled down.

www.irishexaminer.com

Two saved from blaze by alarm, Co. Louth

Two lives were saved following a house fire in Drogheda – thanks to a €20 smoke alarm. Firefighters say the alarm woke two people asleep in a house on Beechgrove Terrace, pictured right, early on St Patrick's Day morning (17/03/2012) as flames ripped apart the inside of the building. ' They were very very lucky,' a spokesman for the service stated. ' There was a lot of damage to the house and a substantial amount of smoke so if they hadn't had the smoke alarm it could have been a very different story,' he said. The house was extensively damaged inside and the fire service spent two hours at the scene. Both people were taken to hospital. Two people were lucky to escape with their lives after a smoke alarm alerted them to a fire which ravaged a house in Beechgrove Terrace on St Patrick's morning.

The pair, a man and woman in their 30s and 50s, were asleep in an upstairs bedroom when they were awoken by the smoke alarm shortly before 8am and managed to raise the alarm. They were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by members of Drogheda Fire Brigade and were removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for further medical attention but were later released. A spokesperson for the fire brigade confirmed a working smoke alarm was present in the house and it was this which had alerted the two people to the fire. He said both of those involved were 'very lucky' to have escaped with their lives.

' They were very very lucky,' he said. ' There was a lot of damage to the house and a substantial amount of smoke so if they hadn't had the smoke alarm it could have been a very different story.' The house, which is believed to be rented, was extensively damaged inside. One other person was also present in the house but was not injured in the blaze. Two pumps from Drogheda Fire Brigade arrived at the scene shortly before 8am and spent around two hours dealing with the blaze, which is believed to have originated in a downstairs front room.

The fire is not thought to have been started maliciously. Gardaí attended the scene on St Patrick's Morning and the house was cordoned off while the premises was technically examined. Meanwhile, Drogheda Fire Brigade were also called out to a fire on West Street at around 5pm on St Patrick's Day when street bins were set alight maliciously. They also attended a fire in Rathmullen Park after hedges, grass and bins were set alight.

Fiona Magennis / www.drogheda-independent.ie

For photos of Fire see Leinster Incident Page 2

Premises destroyed by fire, Co. Louth

Gardai are treating as suspicious the fire which destroyed a premises in Mill Lane off Trinity Street on Sunday morning (11/03/2012). Gardai sealed off the burnt out shell after two units of Drogheda Fire and Rescue Service battled the blaze from about 3.30 p.m.

Crime scene units moved in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mystery blaze, and are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the fire. Gardai were unable to say whether the premises was occupied but no one was reported injured in the incident. Anyone who may have seen any unusual activity in the vicinity of Mill Lane or Trinity Street on Sunday afternoon is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on (041) 9874200 in strictest confidence.

www.drogheda-independent.ie

16/03/2011

Fire Bomb Attack - Cork City

Gardai in Gurranabraher in Cork are appealing for witnesses after an explosive device was thrown at a house on the North side of the City. The incident happened at Fair Hill Drive at around 2am damage was minimal and there were no injurys. A white car was seen leaving the area and the vehicle believed to have been used in the getaway was later burnt out at the North side Business Park.

www.96fm.ie

Castlewellan - Coal Shed Fire

Firefighters are dealing with a Fire in a Coal storage shed on the Ballybannan Rd outside Castlewellan. Extra resources including a Water Carrier were requested at the scene and crews are using 2 main jets to deal with the fire while removing a large quantity (Approximately 300 Tonnes) of coal. The Environmental agency were also informed as some Kerosene and Agri Diesel was also involved.

www.nifrs.org

Ballynahich - RTC

A 30yr old woman was released from her car by Firefighters using cutting gear after a collision with a van on the Lisburn Rd outside Ballynahich. The young lady was suffering from Neck and Back injuries and was removed to Hospital by Ambulance.

www.nifrs.org

Tullycarnet East Belfast - House Fire

A Mid terrace house was heavily smoke-logged when crews arrived in Abbey Park in the Tullycarnet area of East Belfast. Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus dealt with a fire involving a fridge using one main jet and a hosereel jet. A 42yr old man was treated at the scene before been removed to Hospital by Ambulance.

www.nifrs.org

13/03/2012

Coagh Shed and Tyres Fire

Extra resources including a Water Carrier were required to deal with a fire involving a large number of waste tyres on top of a silo pit on the Ballygonny Rd outside Coagh near Cookstown. Two foam jets were used to extinguish the fire.

www.nifrs.org

Ballymacarrett Belfast Flat Fire

Two women aged in their 30s were treated for the effects of breathing in smoke after a grill pan went on fire in a flat in Castlereagh St in the Ballymacarrett area of East Belfast. Firefighters administered oxygen before the arrival of an Ambulance and a third casualty from an upstairs flat was also treated. A hardwire smoke alarm had actuated and raised the alarm.

www.nifrs.org

09/03/2012

Man killed in Kilkenny head-on collision, Co. Kilkenny

A 21-year-old man was killed this morning when the car he was travelling in collided with a 4x4 vehicle. The driver of the 4x4 received only minor injuries. The collision occurred at 8.30 am on the R700 at Brownstone, between Thomastown and Inistioge in Co Kilkenny. Gardai in Thomastown have appealed for witnesses.

www.independent.ie

Two bodies found in burnt out car in Ravensdale, Co. Louth

The remains of two bodies have been found in a burnt out car in the Ravensdale Car Park. Just after 11pm last night the Fire Brigade were called to the scene of a burning vehicle in one of the car parks at Ravensdale Forest Park. Upon extinguishing the flames the fire brigade discovered the remains of two charred bodies in the front seats of the vehicle. They immediately contacted the Gardai and the scene has been sealed off pending the arrival of a member of the State Pathologists Office.

www.dundalkdemocrat.ie

Cannabis plants found after Cork fire, Co. Cork

Cannabis plants worth an estimated €200,000 and cannabis growing equipment have been discovered following a fire in Skibbereen on Thursday (08/03/2012). The fire broke out on two floors above the Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant at North Street in the town just after midday. Four units of Firefighters from Skibbereen and Schull brought the fire under control.

They discovered a substantial cannabis grow operation on the first and second floors of the building while they were conducting a search. The fire is believed to have been started by heating equipment that was being used to speed up the cultivation of the cannabis plants. There is no suggestion that either the owner of the building or the operator of the Chinese restaurant were connected with the growing of the cannabis plants. Gardaí recovered around 500 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of around €200,000.

The building has been sealed off and a technical examination, which began this afternoon, is expected to continue tomorrow. Gardaí are now searching for a number of people and have asked anybody who saw suspicious activity in the area to contact them in Skibbereen or Clonakilty.

www.rte.ie

Fears over explosion at Limerick warehouse spark dramatic scenes, Co. Limerick

There were dramatic scenes in the Ballysimon Road area of the city this Wednesday evening (07/03/2012) as fire crews fought to control a blaze at a warehouse on Bengal Terrace amid fears of a major explosion. Six units of the fire service from Limerick city and two from Cappamore and Rathkeale were deployed at the scene of the fire at Railway House near Mount Saint Lawrence cemetery. The alarm was raised shortly before 4.30pm and smoke could be seen bellowing over the site for several hours afterwards as fire crews tackled the blaze.

There was concern for a short time that a number of gas cylinders at the warehouse may have contained the chemical compound, Acetylene, which is highly explosive and volatile. However, a spokesperson for the fire service has confirmed that no Acetylene was found. A spokesperson for Henry Street Garda Station said the immediate area was evacuated and that a number of roads in the area were closed to traffic as a precaution. Rail services between Colbert Station and Dublin were also affected for a time as the fire broke out near the railway line. Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire.


David Hurley / www.limerickleader.ie

Woman's crash horror on Quays, Dublin

A woman was taken to hospital Wednesday morning (07/02/2012) following a collision with a Fire Engine outside Liberty Hall in Dublin City Center at 9:25am. Traffic came to a standstill as Emergency Services rushed to the scene on the north side of Butt Bridge, at the junction of Eden Quay & Beresford Place. The windshield of the navy BMW was shattered, leaving glass strewn across the road.

A witness told the Herald "We were working near it & heard the bang. We saw one girl being taken away, the driver. She looked in a bad way. The Ambulance came very quickly in fairness." A Dublin Fire Brigade spokesperson said a woman had been extracted from the car using cutting cutting equipment. Her condition is not believed to be serious.

The Fire Truck was on its way to a call when the crash happened. There were no injuries to any of the Firefighters & only minimal damage to the Truck itself. The AA was altered to the accident just before 9:30am and officers had cleared the road by 10:30am.

Kevin Fagan / www.hearld.ie

Driver rescued from overturned van, Co. Antrim

Cutting gear was used to release the driver of a van after it crashed through the hedge into a field and overturned off the Ballinlea Road outside Stranocum near Ballymoney on Wednesday ( 07/03/2012). The 35 year old was taken to hospital with injuries that appeared not to be serious.

www.nifrs.org

Light Aircraft incident in Kilkeel, Co. Down

Fire Service resources responded to a report of a light aircraft crash at a small airfield at Dunnaval just outside Kilkeel on Wednesday afternoon (07/03/2012). A microlite had crashed into a building site short of the landing area and thankfully the pilot was conscious and was treated by NIFRS personnel prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

Driver cut free from van following collision, Co. Fermanagh

The driver of a van had to be cut free from his vehicle after it was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry on the main Belfast Road near Brookeborough in County Fermanagh Wednesday morning (07/03/2012). He was taken to hospital suffering from a broken leg, cuts & bruises while the driver of the lorry was treated for shock.

www.nifrs.org

Macari's chipper up in flames, Co. Wicklow

A Bray chip shop went up in flames on Monday morning (05/03/2012) at the town's Main Street. The fire service was called to the scene of the fire at Macari's just after 8 a.m. on Monday. A number of fire engines and other emergency vehicles were at the scene of the fire, located on the junction of the Main Street and Church Terrace.

Firemen had to cut open the shop shutter to gain access to the building and tackle the blaze. Onlookers said that the fire broke out at around 8 a.m. when smoke was seen billowing out of the chimney of the building.

www.braypeople.ie

Collision on Rathnew slip-road, Co. Wicklow

A three-car collision on Sunday (04/03/2012) meant the Rathnew slip-road from the N11 was closed off for an hour and a quarter. Ambulance and Fire-service crews both visited the scene of the accident resulting in considerable traffic delays. Three people were removed and transported to hospital. The fire-services were called out to assist with the transfer of the injured to awaiting ambulances via stretchers as it was feared some of the patients may have sustained neck injuries.

www.wicklowpeople.ie

07/03/2012

Train driver hospitalised, Co. Wicklow

A train driver was taken to hospital with an arm injury following an explosion in his cab at Daly station in Bray this morning, the incident happened at around 8.15am. It is understood a detonator which drivers carry in the event of an accident, accidentally exploded in the drivers cab.

The train was taken out of service at Bray as there was damage to the cab, and to allow for investigation of the incident. The emergency services attended the scene, and the driver was treated in hospital for his injuries, which includes assessment of impact of the incident on his hearing, and stitches to his hand. The army bomb disposal unit have attended the scene as a precaution.

www.wicklownews.net

Mechanic dies in car collapse, Co. Clare

A father of four has died after a car on which he had been working collapsed on top of him at his home in Co Clare. Named locally as Jim Millane (54), the victim was a well-known self-employed mechanic who was also very popular in motoring circles. The incident happened at his home at Corlea, about 5km from Sixmilebridge. Mr Mullane and his family had moved there in recent years from Doora, near Ennis, where he lived and operated his own business.

Two units of the fire brigade from Shannon along with an ambulance and rapid response advanced paramedic unit from Ennis responded to the incident. Fire crews had to use specialist equipment to lift the car and release Mr Mullane, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardaí are treating the incident as a tragic accident and have carried out a forensic examination of the scene.

The Health and Safety Authority was informed of the incident and sent an inspector to the scene yesterday. A spokesman said: “We have been informed of this accident and an investigation is under way.” It is understood Mr Mullane was working on a car in the driveway of his home and that it was being supported at the time by a jack. It is expected that both investigations will look at whether the jack slipped or failed, causing the vehicle to fall on the victim.

www.irishtimes.com

Pensioner who died in Dromara fire is named, Co. Down

The pensioner who was killed in a house fire in Dromara in the early hours of this morning has been named as 78-year-old Sadie Ferguson. The alarm was raised to the fire on the Dundrum Road at around 3.30am and when the three fire service crews arrived the fire was already “very well developed,” according to Station Commander Mark Maginnes. “There was a neighbour that had heard the smoke alarm sounding and it was he who raised the alarm,” he said.

“The heat was very intense but [the fire crew] worked very hard and they attacked the fire and were able to enter the property wearing breathing apparatus.” A PSNI-led investigation will be carried out, but it is believed the fire was accidental. Police said the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

www.dromoreleader.co.uk

Man dies in Ballymoney house fire, Co. Antrim

An elderly man has died in a house fire in County Antrim. It happened at his home on the Bush Road between Ballymoney and Dervock at about 21:00 GMT on Tuesday. The Fire and Rescue Service said it does not believe there are any suspicious circumstances behind the blaze. Group Commander Bill Willsdon said investigations into the fire are at an early stage.

"At about nine o'clock this evening we got a call from a member of the public to say there was a fire in the house," he said. "We mobilised two of our crews. We believed that there was an elderly gentleman, who lived in the house on his own, inside. "Neighbours advised us that he was probably still in there and when the crews went in with breathing apparatus and hoses they managed to extinguish the fire and discovered the gentleman inside."

www.bbc.co.uk

Lucky escape for 999 crew attacked in halting site row, Dublin

An ambulance crew were lucky to escape uninjured when their emergency vehicle came under attack during a callout. The incident happened when the Tallaght-based ambulance was called to a fight at a halting site on the Cloverhill Road in Clondalkin in the early hours of yesterday. One man in his late 20s was arrested at the scene. The window was broken during the violent outburst and the vehicle, Delta 74 from Tallaght Station, had to be removed from service while it underwent repairs at the Dublin Fire Brigade depot on Stanley Street off Brunswick Street.

Emergency crews and gardai had received the call to attend Bridgeview halting site at around 3.30am, where a fight had broken out. During the row, a bottle was thrown at the ambulance, smashing the driver's side window. but there were no reports of injuries to the crew. The door frame surrounding the window was also damaged by the impact of the object thrown at the ambulance. Repair crews said the glass fitted in the ambulance is called 'bandit glass' and is reinforced and designed to stay in position if shattered.

"If it hadn't been for the strength of the glass, the driver could have been seriously injured. He would have got whatever it was that was thrown in the head," said a Dublin Fire Brigade spokesman. The incident highlights the dangers faced by emergency crews as they work to save lives and treat injuries.

In June 2006, fireman Jonathan Forbes received serious facial injuries when a bottle was thrown through the window of the fire tender as he travelled to a blaze in Clontarf. Mr Forbes required 35 stitches, and also suffered a chipped bone and severe bruising in the attack. Doctors said he would have a permanent scar which might require further surgery.

cfeehan@herald.ie / Conor Feehan / www.herald.ie

Man dies after his van hits wall, Co. Galway

A man was killed yesterday when his van slammed into a wall. Mr Mullins, who was in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. It is thought he may have suffered a heart attack before the crash. He was alone in the van at the time. Any witnesses should contact Loughrea garda station on 091 842870 or the garda confidential line on 1800 666111, said officers.

www.independent.ie

We'll be back with a Bang, vows Kerr after restaurant fire, Dublin

Businessman Bobby Kerr has said that Bang Cafe will reopen "with a bang" despite the extensive fire at the restaurant. The exclusive venue on Merrion Row in Dublin was hit by a fire yesterday, closing down part of the city centre street. But the owner and Dragons' Den star said that damage was minimal and praised the quick reaction of Dublin Fire Brigade.

"The fire was in the upper floor which is mainly in the staff changing room, toilets and laundry area," he told the Herald. "The fire brigade were there in a couple of minutes. "It looks like it was an electrical fault. Thankfully there were very few people in there at the time no customers everyone is fine." Eyewitnesses described how the entire street was engulfed with smoke within minutes.


clairemurphy@herald.ie / Claire Murphy / www.herald.ie

One man dies in tragic incident, Co. Antrim

A refuse lorry was involved in an early morning RTC on the Craigadoo Road near the village of Moorfields outside Ballymena early Monday morning (5/3/12). The vehicle had overturned and the cab was crushed against hedges. Firefighters used various equipment to release a 49 year old man who was trapped, however tragically, he was prounounced fatal at the scene. Another man was taken to hospital suffering from cuts to the head.

The incident was made more harrowing for the firefighters as the deceased man was related to a member of one of the crews who was chaperoned from the scene.

www.nifrs.org

Firefighters called after two children locked in car, Belfast

Firefighters used rescue equipment to gain access to 2 young children who had had become locked in a car at Knockwood Crescent, Belfast. The 2 year old girl and 8 week old baby were distressed but uninjured.

www.nifrs.org

Two rescued from river, Co. Waterford

Waterford Fire Service rescued two people from the River Suir last Wednesday night (29/2/12). At 2.03am two units attended at the river in the area near the bus station and launched the rescue boat that is shared with the Civil Defense. Two males were sucessfully rescued from the water and taken to Waterford Regional Hospital where they were treated for hypothermia.

ww.waterford-news.ie

I owe my life to my fiancee, says garda who came back from dead, Dublin

A young garda says he owes his life to his fiancee after he technically died and she came to his rescue. Garda Derek Cloonan went into sudden cardiac arrest just hours before the couple were due to host a dinner party at their Lucan home. It was two weeks to the day after they got engaged and Ursula Doherty (30) was just about to go for a shower when Derek (34) had what she thought was a fit while watching football on TV in their sitting room. "I thought it was a seizure, he was staring straight ahead and he wasn't focusing on anything," she told the Herald. "His mouth was open and his jaw was tense. His hands were like claws.

"I know the bare minimum about what to do, I knew I had to keep him warm but I was worried in case he swallowed his tongue." Ursula, who is an account manager, called 999 immediately and described what was going on. But when Derek stopped making what she describes as 'snoring noises' she knew something wasn't right. "I was trying to take his pulse I can't find my own pulse at the best of times," she said.

"I was panicking but as far as I was concerned I wasn't expecting him to die." The paramedics advised Ursula to get him on the ground. "Under normal circumstances I could lift him, he's a skinny guy. But he was sitting on the couch and it was so awkward to move him," she said. "I was thinking I would just throw him on the ground, but I'm such a clutz so I was afraid I could cause more damage.

"I ran in next door to our neighbour Philip Somers, he's such a hero. "He ran in and threw Derek on the floor and started pressing on his chest and one minute later the paramedics arrived." Ursula said it was probably seven minutes from the time when she first rang to when they arrived but it was the longest seven minutes of her life on December 17. "Some days it feels like it happened 1,000 years ago or it happened to someone else and it's hard to think that it actually did," she said.

"Other times it is like something that I will never, ever forget." Derek, who works in telecommunications in Garda HQ, turned completely grey and paramedics were getting no response to two shocks from the defibrillator. Ursula was asked to leave the room with Philip as they worked. "We'd only got engaged two weeks before, so I kept asking, 'How can I be a widow before he has even married me?'"

But the paramedics had managed to get him "back" and Derek was breathing again. He was rushed to the intensive care unit at Blanchardstown Hospital. Derek remembers very little about what happened his short-term memory has gone. "I was in a coma for a couple of days and that was the worry for my family that I would have long-term memory loss," he told the Herald. "I wasn't right for a few days. I was all over the place. I was even trying to leave the hospital."

Medics brought Derek's temperature right down with ice packs because they were afraid of brain damage. "When he woke up out of the coma he was like a little boy, so vulnerable and he had a memory like a goldfish," Ursula said. "If I said one thing, I said it a thousand times. "He would be up out of the bed, pulling out the wires and I had to say to him: 'You have to stay in bed. You died. You have to stay in hospital'."

He stayed in hospital over Christmas but by January 6 he was well enough to have a defibrillator fitted and discharged from hospital. The garda now carries a Heart Rhythm Ireland card which will inform paramedics in the case of emergency that he has an internal defibrillator. He is due for a final check next week. "I should be fairly much conscious if something like this happens again," Derek explained. "This defibrillator should shock me and it will stop my heart and get the normal beat again. If I get a serious shock I have to dial 999. "But in case I am home on my own or anything it is a good support to have."

The Mater Heart Appeal, www.materfoundation.ie, raises much-needed funds for the Family Heart Screening Clinic, where relatives of loved ones who have died from SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) or survived a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, can be screened for undiagnosed heart conditions.

Text MATER to 51500 to pledge a donation and help fight SADS by screening.


clairemurphy@herald.ie / Claire Murphy / http://www.herald.ie

02/03/2012

Couple injured following kitchen fire, Co. Down