A significant fire erupted at Limerick Junction around 6:00 p.m. yesterday, causing substantial damage to the railway station premises. The blaze, which consumed the head porter’s office, cloakroom, lock-up room, and a corrugated iron shed at the rear, also spread perilously close to the coffered way at the northern end of the platform.

The intensity of the fire was such that its glow could be seen from miles away, prompting a swift response from the Rise Brigade at Tipperary. Within twenty minutes, they arrived at the scene with a fire engine and necessary equipment. Simultaneously, station hoses were deployed effectively, and efforts were made to dismantle the heavily tarred, timber structure of the platform roof.

The situation was exacerbated by a southerly wind when the fire began. However, a stroke of luck occurred as the wind direction shifted, preventing the flames from engulfing the entire station premises. Swift action was taken to cut off the gas supply, leading to the closure of the adjacent hotel premises. Panic ensued briefly, but military personnel were quick to restore order.

Mr Miller, Superintendent of Limerick, and the station staff played a crucial role in managing the crisis. After successfully extinguishing the flames in the main station buildings, attention was redirected to the covered way, where the fire was rapidly spreading. The tireless efforts of the firefighters, station staff, and military ensured that the blaze was completely extinguished before 9:00 p.m.

Irish Independent – Saturday 05 October 1912