Mallow firefighters were among the frontline crews praised for their swift and skilled response to a major warehouse fire in Little Island on Sunday night, a blaze so intense that explosions were heard across Cork Harbour.
The alarm was raised shortly after 11pm when a commercial distribution warehouse in Ballytrasna went up in flames. The fire had already taken hold by the time emergency services arrived, with the building engulfed and thick smoke visible for miles. Inside were 11 trucks, many carrying full tanks of diesel and loaded with produce, contributing to the scale and ferocity of the fire.
Fire crews from across Cork City and County were mobilised, including a full team from Mallow Fire Brigade, who joined colleagues from Cork City, Cobh, Midleton, Bandon and Carrigaline. In total, twelve fire crews responded, working through the night to contain what was described as a “substantial fire” with the potential to spread rapidly to neighbouring buildings.
Witnesses reported loud explosions echoing across the harbour, and orange flames were visible from several communities including Passage West and Rochestown. Despite the intense conditions, the coordinated efforts of all responding units, including Mallow’s firefighters , succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading further.
The warehouse and its contents were completely destroyed, with damages expected to run into the millions. One person was treated at the scene for suspected smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.
Gardaí assisted emergency services throughout the night and confirmed that no further casualties had occurred.
For the Mallow firefighters, the incident marks another example of their vital role in countywide emergency response, stepping in when called to protect life, property and surrounding communities, even far beyond their own local area.
