Fire breaks out at military camp near Blessington

Defence Forces issued a statement

A fire broke out yesterday evening at an accommodation centre for international protection applicants over the Kildare border.  

The blaze occurred on Monday evening at Kilbride Military camp - about 14km from Blessington - which is being used as an emergency accommodation and reception centre.

A statement from the Defence Forces confirmed the fire has been contained and that all staff and asylum seekers are “safe and accounted for”.

The blaze prompted a multi-agency response involving An Garda Siochana, the fire brigade and military police responded.

“This evening, the 25th of November, a fire broke out in the Emergency Accommodation and Reception Centre (EARC) Canteen in Kilbride Military Camp.

"An Garda Síochána (AGS), the Fire Brigade and Military Police responded.

"The fire is now out, and all International Protection applicants and Defence Forces personnel are safe and accounted for. 

"A damage assessment and investigation is currently ongoing,” a spokesperson said.