A fire destroys four shops in Dublin city centre.
Although the fire broke out at 2.30 am Dublin Fire Brigade crews were still on the scene as the first Saturday shoppers arrived in Mary Street.
It is not known how or where the fire started although it was first thought that it began in the Carpet Showrooms, which along with Golden Discs, had to be virtually demolished as a result of damage and the dangerous condition of the buildings.
Gargan's Shoes and Fennessy's Shoes were also destroyed, while other nearby buildings including Marks & Spencer suffered smoke damage.
Nobody was injured in the fire and forensic experts are now on the site assessing how the fire started.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 1 March 1986. The reporter is Conor Fennell.
