By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Sam Shire On Fire

One of the most lethal fires ever to hit the region erupted in Lismore, Co. Waterford last Sunday night (July13th) when a disused recycling facility went up in flames. Nearby residents were evacuated from their houses or asked to remain indoors with their windows locked, after it emerged that the collapsed roof of the plant consisted of asbestos.

Firemen douse the raging fires at the Lismore recycling plant

Almost 2,000 tons of dry recyclables -paper and plastic- was stored in a 200ft long warehouse in the former Sam Shires (Recycling) Ltd plant in the Mayfield area, within half a mile of the town centre. The waste had lain idle at the plant since it closed in 2006, amidst ongoing legal proceedings being taken by Waterford Co. Council against the proprietor, Worcestershire businessman Graham Leake.

Gardai sealed off regular access to the area shortly after the inferno began at about 11 pm. However, as fire units from across west Waterford tacked the blaze, some locals gained closer access to the site via the graveyard. Most were unaware of the asbestos danger until informed by a garda who arrived to move them on.

Local lads cover up from the deadly fumes

Up to that point a light-hearted atmosphere persisted amongst the 20 or so observers positioned on a hilly crest 100 metres from the fire, most of who were in their early 20′s. Amongst them was John Troy who recalled hearing “loud banging noises” and witnessing the first flames from his home in Shrough, two miles outside Lismore. Other witnesses were former workers at the plant, whose opinions on the management and conditions of the company contrasted sharply. In a farcical incident, as the flames lapped the four walls of the caved-in structure, a fire alarm was heard going off!!

Footage shot from the location by the YoughaOnline.com crew has been circulated and shown on National and International TV Stations.