Carlow fire service say most of a large fire which broke out at an industrial premises in Carlow this afternoon has been extinguished, but they remain on site to ensure no "hotspots" reignite.
The fire started at the Oglesby and Butler unit on O'Brien Road in Carlow town at about 2pm and quickly spread within the property.
Several units of the Carlow fire service have been at the scene as well as local gardaí. Employees were evacuated from the area.
It's understood one woman was brought to hospital as a precaution after suffering a scorch burn, but there are no reports of any significant injuries.
Breaking - Huge fire has engulfed a factory on O'Brien Road in Carlow. Residents are asked to keep windows closed and motorists to avoid the area. Fire and emergency services are the premises now. pic.twitter.com/hK1nsBzf1x
— Eimear Ní Bhraonáin (@eimeardeschemer) June 16, 2022
The factory is comprised of three units and while one has been badly damaged, early action once the fire was detected prevented severe damage to the others.
Diversions were put in place by gardaí and local residents were advised to keep their windows closed because of a large amount of smoke coming from the blaze.
A road which had been closed while firefighters tackled the blaze has since re-opened.
Due to a significant fire at Oglesby and Butler on the O'Brien Road, there may be a loss of pressure/water loss while the fire is being dealt with.
— CarlowCountyCouncil (@Carlow_Co_Co) June 16, 2022
The pressure/water loss is in place from now until approx. 8pm today 16th June 2022.
Diversions are being put in place.
Investigations will be launched into what caused the fire but gardaí believe it was accidental and no foul play was involved.
Oglesby and Butler are involved in the manufacture and export of gas-powered tools which are used for soldering and welding.
The company has been in operation in Carlow since 1987 and its base on O'Brien Road is to the east of Carlow's town centre.
