Investigations underway into cause of Roadstone fire

A NUMBER of investigations are taking place to establish the cause of the fire which caused extensive damage to the tarmacadam plant at Roadstone, Moneen, Castlebar, yesterday evening.

Forensic teams, including one led by An Garda Siochana, have been on-site since this morning. The extent of the damage is also being assessed.

The Mayo Fire Department is offering assistance to the forensic and investigating teams.

Roadstone Limited has not issued a statement. 

The fire, which was brought under control shortly before 9 p.m., has not affected the quarry and associated operations which are open for business as usual.

Members of Castlebar and Westport brigades, four units in all, were called to the scene at around 6.30 p.m. after the alarm was raised. There were no injuries.

ESB personnel arrived to disconnect the electricity supply from the building which engulfed in flames and black smoke could be seen for miles in the sky over the town.

Mayo Chief Fire Officer, Seamus Murphy, was at the scene and directed operations.

He praised his team for the professional manner in which they dealt with the outbreak.

A arial platform was erected to fight the fire and special water tankers were brought on site.

As the location of the fire was far removed from main roads, there were no traffic restrictions in place in the general area. Every effort was taken to prevent the fire spreading.