Appeal to assist victims of inferno in Dundrum

Appeal to assist victims of inferno in Dundrum

10 January 2018

AN appeal fund has been set up to assist residents in Dundrum whose homes were damaged in a horrific early morning blaze on Christmas Eve.

An online appeal launched by the locally-based Donard Fundraising Group.

Over recent years, it has helped a number of groups and individuals and also raised thousands of pounds to buy a number of lifesaving defibrillators, which have been placed number of towns and villages.

In addition to the appeal, the group hopes local businesses will come forward to help and provide basic items such as kettles and toasters for those residents whose homes sustained major smoke and water damage.

The fire at Church Avenue — which is believed to have been malicious — started close to a vacant property before spreading to adjoining homes which sustained major smoke and water damage. At its height 52 firefighters tackled the blaze.

In the wake of the inferno, concern was expressed about plastic cladding on the exterior of the homes.

The Housing Executive said its staff are seeking alternative accommodation for two households whose homes were damaged in the fire. The organisation says it owns one of the properties which was badly damaged and is assessing the housing in terms of necessary repairs.

A spokeswoman added: “We await the findings of the investigation carried out by the Fire and Rescue Service to determine the outcome ofthe fire and thank them for their efforts regarding this matter.”

The quick-thinking actions of residents is being credited with saving lives after the terrifying fire broke out, gutting one property and damaging seven others.

Donard Fundraising Group chairman Paul Madden said the organisation is keen to help those affected by the fire.

“We have supported many good causes over the years and want to help those whose homes were damaged in this horrific fire,” he said.

“A number of people have already made donations and we hope there will be more given the hardships these particular families and individuals are facing.

“People have lost a lot of their personal effects and basic every day items including kettles and toasters and the like. Some of the residents will literally have to start from scratch again and we want to help as best we can.”

A number of former residents and people whose relatives live in the village are among those who have already pledged money via the online appeal.

Mr Madden said the appeal is about Dundrum residents and the wider community coming together to help those suffering the consequences of the devastating fire.

He added: “The appeal is designed to help those in need in any way we can and we greatly appreciate the support of those who have already donated. We hope people will give what they can and that local businesses will also come on board and offer whatever support they can.”

Those who have pledged money have also posted a number of comments online which include “the people of Dundrum will support you and rally round you with anything you need.”

Another donator commented: “This is the village where my family were born and brought up, so sorry to hear of this.”

Anyone interested in supporting the appeal to help Dundrum residents is asked to log on at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dundrumvillagefire.