WATCH: Limerick fire fighters tackle building engulfed in flames

A LARGE crew of fire fighters are at the scene of a building in Limerick city that has been engulfed in flames this Wednesday afternoon. 

#LIMERICK Emergency services dealing with fire on Catehrine St. Use alternative route as smoke may be affecting visibility. https://t.co/ipFDM8svNY

— AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) January 17, 2018

Limerick Fire Service was alerted to a large building fire on Catherine Street at 4.03pm and immediately dispatched three units to the scene. 

The building is adjacent to the former Desmond Arms pub.

Plumes of smoke flowing through Catherine Street as @LimerickFire attend building fire in Limerick city @Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/5i1L9LlSR5

— Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) January 17, 2018

As of 4.20pm, plumes of thick grey smoke continued to blow through Catherine Street, Mallow Street and Glentworth Street as a dozen fire fighters prevent the fire from spreading. 

Swift @LimerickFire crew respond to large building fire in Limerick city centre. Three units are in attendance @Limerick_Leader pic.twitter.com/Q4W7wcQpGf

— Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) January 17, 2018

The two-storey building, near the Upper Mallow Street-Catherine Street-Catherine Place junction, is located next to offices on Mallow Street. 

It is understood to be vacant. 

Crowds of concerned onlookers watched on as fire fighters activated the water hoses to quench the flames belching out of the building. 

It is not known, as of yet, what caused the building to set alight. 

Follow the Limerick Leader for more.