In a harrowing turn of events, Limerick witnessed one of the most severe fires in its recent history on Thursday night, as flames engulfed the premises of Messrs. McMahon timber store, and saw mills in Alphonsus Street. The blaze, which started shortly after six in the evening, continues to rage with unabated intensity, posing a threat to nearby structures, including the Corporation gasworks and the premises of the Anglo-American Oil Company.
The fire, first noticed by onlookers through billowing clouds of smoke emanating from the machine room of the saw mills, rapidly escalated, prompting swift response from emergency services. The Ist Black Watch and the Royal Engineers were the first to arrive, deploying their firefighting equipment. The Corporation Fire Brigade, although arriving later, joined the effort to combat the flames that had already gained a strong foothold in the large timber piles.
The urgency of the situation became apparent as the fire spread rapidly, fuelled by the ample timber reserves in and around Alphonsus Street. The threat to residential areas, notably Clare View Terrace and Henry Street, led to a rapid evacuation of inhabitants, who frantically removed their furniture in the face of approaching danger. The military, commanded by Captain Greenstreet, U.E., and Captains Suttle and Chalmer of the Black Watch, worked tirelessly alongside the constabulary, led by County Inspector Yates and District Inspector White.
Despite the collabourative efforts of the military, police, and fire brigade, the ferocity of the fire proved insurmountable. The flames soared to alarming heights, endangering not only residential areas but also the Corporation gasworks and the premises of the Anglo-American Oil Company, both situated near the inferno.
The situation took a precarious turn as the fire threatened the gasworks and oil stores, with an insufficient water supply exacerbating the challenges faced by those battling the blaze. The flames consumed a line of tarred sheds used as workshops, advancing towards the critical infrastructure of the gasworks and oil storage facilities. Residents, alarmed by the unfolding disaster, hurriedly removed their furniture, and efforts were made to safeguard the gasometer and pump petroleum away from the oil stores.
The fire, relentless in its destructive path, also impacted St. Vincent’s National School, managed by the Sisters of Mercy. While the school building caught fire, prompt action enabled the preservation of the premises after the removal of all furniture. However, the same could not be said for other residential properties, where the hurried evacuation resulted in significant damage to both furniture and valuables.
As the clock approached midnight, the tireless efforts of the firefighting teams, despite facing challenges such as an insufficient water supply, began to show some success. After three hours of intense struggle, the worst of the imminent dangers were averted. Although significant damage had been inflicted on Clare View Terrace and surrounding properties, the fire’s progression towards the gasworks and oil stores was curtailed.
A detachment of the military remains on high alert, guarding the approaches to the still-burning fire to prevent any personal injuries and further damage. The collabourative response from the military, fire brigade, and constabulary has drawn commendation from onlookers and affected residents alike.
Dublin Daily Express – Friday 02 June 1911
