Families left homeless by an apartment building fire in Portarlington, Co Laois are being sheltered in the local GAA club, as the community rallies to their aid.
41 firefighters from Portarlington, Mountmellick, Portlaoise and Monasterevin attended the scene at the three-storey building in Kilnacourt Woods after the alarm was raised at 5.55am.
Two people were brought to hospital by ambulance after the fire broke out shortly before 6am.
One was rescued from the second floor by firefighters, while it is understood that another jumped from the burning building.
Evacuated residents, many in their pyjamas, including families with a baby and small children have given warm blankets, food and hot drinks at Portarlington GAA Club.
The situation is understood to now be under control.
The Oaks apartment block, which contains about nine units was severely damaged in the blaze, while neighbouring homes and businesses were left without electricity for a time.
Fire Tenders, water tankers and a Hydraulic Platform are all deployed at the site, according to a statement from Laois Fire and Emergency Services.
There is serious structural damage to the building in addition to adverse impacts from water and smoke, it said.
Crews are damping down and dealing with structural damage to the roof.
Laois County Council will provide emergency accommodation for those who cannot find a place to stay with family or friends, but some will need long-term housing, as their homes have been destroyed.
