Freak weather causes second fire false alarm at Offaly swimming pool

Firefighters responded to a false alarm 'second fire' at Edenderry Swimming Pool on Wednesday just 24 hours after extinguishing a devastating fire there on Tuesday.

The second callout was a false alarm after locals reported the building on fire again after seeing what they believed to be smoke rising from the facility.

Edenderry Swimming Pool took to social media to clarify the situation after reports of a second fire.

They said: "Fire Services were out again at Edenderry Swimming Pool as a false alarm last night [Wednesday]. We can safely confirm that the fire is out. 

"You might see steam coming from building due to the high intensity of fire with heating our pool water beyond its usual temperatures. This heat mixed with cold air is causing the steam which may look like it is on fire. We can confirm it is not on fire and the fire was put out on Tuesday evening. 

"We cannot thank the fire men of Edenderry for their quick responses to our calls and the public. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," they concluded.

The original fire broke out at the popular amenity shortly before 3pm on Tuesday and emergency services rushed to the scene to get it under control. 

Offaly Fire & Rescue service confirmed that swimmers were inside when the fire started in a plant room but that everyone was evacuated quickly and safely. The building was still smouldering on Tuesday night as locals reacted.

Local Fine Gael councillor and pool chairman, Noel Cribbin described as "total devastation" the fire at Edenderry Swimming Pool.

He said: "The long standing swimming pool in Edenderry was gutted by a fire on Tuesday and as Chairman I can honestly say we are all totally gutted at this scene."

He did say he was "also thankful that all ten swimmers and staff got out safely without injuries."

"However, to the hard working staff who are there to let you swim from 6.30am to 9pm, I really feel for. Also, of course to management Brenda, Board of Directors and the many hundreds of swimmers from school kids to adults, football teams, from Kilucan to Carbury, to Daingean on any given day who support and use Edenderry’s Swimming Pool.

"The pool had only been refurbished for the new year and was in splendid condition, however it’s a sorry looking sight tonight as it still smoulders," Noel added on Tuesday evening.

"A big, big thanks to our firefighters who did a tremendous job in keeping the fire to one section of the pool. However, the machinery room is totally destroyed and god only knows what damage and cost for it to reopen.

WATCH: Fire breaks out at Edenderry Swimming Pool in Offaly

Fire services are battling a blaze which broke out at a swimming pool in Edenderry, Co Offaly this afternoon.

The blaze, which is may have begun in the boiler house,  started at around 3pm.

The popular facility posted a notice on its facebook page advising that all lessons were now cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.    

"We will take a few days to find out the damage, cost, insurance etc and most important our loyal staff have to be looked after in the best way we can. As of now we just don’t know if and when we can reopen but I know that the people of Edenderry and surrounding areas will support us 100% in whatever we decide," Cllr Cribbin concluded.