RTE Crimecall appeal on massive Kildare fire that took two weeks to put out

Gardaí are seeking help in identifying the male who deliberately started a fire that caused "substantial damage" to an industrial unit in Athy, Co. Kildare. 

The incident happened at around 00:45am on October 7th, 2022, after a man was seen walking from the Grand Canal towpath car park along the canal to an industrial unit on William Street Upper.

He is then seen entering the premises and CCTV shows a "large flash within seconds" of him entering.

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Speaking on Crimecall, Inspector Laura Dragoi explained that the unit was being used illegally as a recycling centre at the time. 

A number of unknown and industrial waste products being burned posed a huge risk to the environment and to the people in the surrounding area. 

Within ten minutes of the fire being set, roughly 35 firefighters arrived at the scene, but it wasn't until two weeks later that the fire was fully extinguished. 

Extensive damage was caused to the unit as a result.

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A firefighter speaking on Crimecall said it took "a lot of manpower" to get the flames under control and that all the men who showed up were put at risk because of the unknown materials being burned.

A number of businesses had to close because of the fire, with Inspector Dragoi highlighting that the incident is still "vivid in the memory of the people of Athy."

Gardaí are hoping that now that some time has passed, allegiances may have changed and people might come forward with information on the suspect. 

At the moment, the only information Gardaí have is that the suspect is a male who was wearing dark clothing and carrying a red sports bag. 

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They are appealing for any information on the identity of the man, how he got to and from the scene, or any other information that people might feel is relevant to the investigation. 

"We are appealing to anyone who may have observed a suspicious vehicle or person in the Rockfield Road area of Athy during the early hours of 7th of October 2022. Did you see a car parked in an unusual location? Did you observe anyone acting suspiciously?" Gardaí ask. 

If you have information you believe may be of interest to Gardaí, you can contact them by calling 1800 666 111.