UPDATE: Families getting emergency care after Laois apartment building fire

Families of small children are among those receiving emergency supports after a fire devastated their Laois apartment block early on Thursday morning, February 20.

The three storey apartment building in Kilnacourt, Portarlington, called The Oaks, went on fire in the early hours. WATCH fire video here.

The building has about nine apartments. Two people were taken by ambulance to Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise. One is understood to have jumped from the first floor.

Evacuated residents have been brought to Portarlington GAA club, which was opened up to help, with hot drinks, blankets and support on hand by Laois County Council housing staff and Laois Civil Defence.

Laois County Council Director of Services Simon Walton gave a report of the fire to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Laois Fire and Emergency Services received a call at 05.55 this morning (Thursday) reporting a fire in an apartment building at Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington.

"Portarlington and Mountmellick Fire Crews attended the scene and were subsequently supported by Portlaoise and Monasterevin Fire Crews.  Fire Tenders, water tankers and a Hydraulic Platform are all deployed at the site. 41 Fire Services personnel are in attendance.

"Two individuals were passed to ambulance crews, one rescued from the second floor by Fire and Emergency Services personnel and one injured whilst escaping the building.

"There is serious structural damage to the building in addition to adverse impacts from water and smoke.

"From a Fire and Emergency Services perspective, the situation is now under control  and crews are damping down and dealing with structural damage to the roof," Mr Walton reported.

Cllr Aidan Mullins is at Portarlington GAA club where the evacuated residents are receiving care.

"People are meeting the council housing staff to assess their needs, look for accommodation for them and give them advice on social welfare. There's people here in their pyjamas, there's two small kids with one family, a baby with another family. 

"They are being kept warm, with hot drinks and food. Those in need of emergency assistance are all being brought here. I got a call at 7am and came up to the site. 

"The Civil Defence are here, and council officials, there has been a great mobilisation of help, they are absolutely being looked after. The response has been great from everyone, the GAA, neighbours, the community.

"They will be given emergency accommodation but some will need long term housing. They can't stay in a hotel long term.

"It's the worst fire since the Maher family fire. There's a plaque in this room to the Maher family. This is another devastating fire," Cllr Mullins said.

His reference is to the 1996 fire that engulfed the home of the Maher family in Portarlington, killing seven members, with a memorial now standing to them in the town. 

More updates to follow.