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A massive fire destroyed at least two large warehouses along the Port of Cork, Ireland waterfront as well as disrupting operations at the deep water harbor over the weekend. While firefighters were able to bring the fire under control on Saturday morning with no injuries, they remained on scene dealing with hot spots and potential flare ups to the fire over the weekend.<\/p>\n
The fire was reported shortly before 9:00 am on January 9 in a grain storage facility adjacent to one of the deep water berths at the port. Fire crews responded from surrounding communities while plums of smoke rose over the port. Local residents were assured they were in no danger, but were advised to keep their windows closed.<\/p>\n
The port’s emergency plan was in operation during the fire. At its peak all harbor operations were suspended, but later in the day some operations were restored. However, the ocean docks for the containerships did not resume operation until Sunday and even then, there were reports of lingering smoke conditions on the docks.<\/p>\n
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\npic.twitter.com\/89qSMCa4lh<\/a><\/p>\n
— Maria Byrne (@maria_byrne) January 9, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nCork County Council would like to reassure her members of the public that this is a standard approach to managing an incident such as this, which involves natural, organic animal feed. pic.twitter.com\/aWDbYsjY7h<\/a><\/p>\n
— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) January 9, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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The operators of the animal feed operation reported that they had seven employees working at the site and that no one was injured. They apologized to the local residents and neighboring businesses. In a statement posted to social media, R&H Hall, thanked the emergency services and the Port of Cork for "their quick response and ongoing management of the incident. ”<\/p>\n
Firefighters reported that the facility was heavily damaged. They were continuing to hose down the outside of the buildings while also investigating the source of the fire. Local media reported the fire department was looking at whether a conveyor belt used to transport animal feed between buildings could have been the source of the fire.<\/p>\n
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\nShipping operations have restarted in #Ringaskiddy<\/a> this morning with ICL container ship being unloaded. A lot of smoke still lingers from yesterday’s fire and fire crew continue to monitor the site. #keepingtheshowontheroad<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/NCRxyHeWUa<\/a><\/p>\n
— Port of Cork #Keepingtheshowontheroad (@PortofCork) January 10, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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