LAST UPDATE | 15 Aug 2023
FIRE CREWS HAVE battled a large fire at a McDonald’s restaurant in Newbridge, Co Kildare that has caused significant traffic disruption in the area.
Images from the scene on the Moorefield Road showed flames and smoke billowing from the McDonald’s restaurant in the town. A car in the drive thru of the restaurant was also on fire.
In a statement, a Kildare County Council said its fire service was alerted at 11.34am to the blaze.
Newbridge fire station crews and two additional stations were mobilised to the fire.
There are still a number of fire appliances in attendance at the scene.
Speaking from the scene earlier, KFM’s Eoin Beatty said he could see “clouds and clouds of thick, black smoke” coming from the building.
One witness told RTÉ’s Liveline that “there’s absolutely nothing left, it’s gutted”.
Fire accident in #Newbridge #Ireland #Kildare @rtenews pic.twitter.com/rMRcUce2JD
— Rambo (@CBNONTHEROCKS) August 15, 2023
The council said that “while there is extensive damage to the property, there are no reports of injuries to any persons at the incident”.
The fire has been brought under control. However, the fire service is likely to continue to work at the scene for the next few hours, the council said.
“Smoke is visibile across a wide area, and residents close to the fire are advised to keep their windows and doors closed,” it said.
The road remains closed and gardaí are advising motorists to use an alternative route.
Kildare County Council said traffic disruption in the area will continue while the fire service is at the scene.
“Kildare fire service appreciates the cooperation of the public during this incident,” the council said.
In a statement, a spokesperson for McDonald’s said its staff and customers were safety evacuated and there were no reported injuries.
“The restaurant will remain closed until further notice,” it said.
With reporting by Hayley Halpin
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