A POPULAR pub in Co Wexford was forced to close after a devastating fire broke out yesterday.
Jack’s Tavern in Camolin confirmed that nobody was hurt in the blaze, which broke out in a storeroom towards the rear of the building.
Fire units from Enniscorthy and Gorey attended the premises on the main street yesterday afternoon.
Four units of the fire brigade brought the blaze under control and the ESB and gardai attended the scene.
However, South East radio reports that efforts to bring the fire under control were hampered by exploding beer barrels.
It is understood that the main area of the bar escaped the fire, but it is understood that fire spread to a nearby smoking area towards the back of the building.
The smoking area and storage room of the pub were damaged by the blaze.
Taking to social media today, owners Jack and Hilda said they are hoping to welcome their customers back into their business soon.
They wrote: “Hi all, thanks for all your kind messages, nobody hurt is the main thing! Looking forward to welcoming you all back soon.”
Customers were left devastated by the news, with many rushing to the comments to offer their support to the pub.
One person wrote: “Sorry to hear what happened. Buildings are replaceable people aren’t. So glad no one hurt. Best of luck with the rebuild.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear, but as you said all safe and that’s the main thing…
“For sure you’ll come back stronger, surrounded by a great community.”
A third said: “Wishing you every success building it back better than ever! Can’t wait to see you guys back up and running.”
A fourth added: “Very frightening for you all, thank God everyone is ok. Please God your business will be up and running very soon.”
A fifth said: “So sorry Hilda & Jack thank god no one injured. Everything else can be fixed. Wishing u both a speedy & better than ever return to business.”
HOUSE FIRE IN DUBLIN
Separately, four people, including two kids, were hospitalised after a firebomb was thrown into a family home in west Dublin on Monday night.
The arson attack occurred on Aylmer Drive in Newcastle at approximately 5am yesterday morning.
The Dublin Fire Brigade had to rescue three residents from the burning property using a ladder to enter an upstairs window.
A criminal investigation is currently ongoing after the house’s front window was reportedly damaged and a firebomb hurled into the residence. Damage was also reported to a car in the driveway.
Four people – two children and two adults – were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident.
According to the Irish Independent, Detectives are currently looking into a potential motive for the attack, with one line of inquiry being whether the arson was carried out by a man known to the homeowners.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.
A spokesperson said: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station on 01 6667600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
