UPDATE: Four people escape Limerick apartment blaze

FOUR people escaped from a top-floor apartment blaze in Limerick city centre this Sunday afternoon. 

The apartment block was successfully evacuated with no injuries reported.

Firefighters from Mulgrave Street and Rathkeale had to use their hydraulic platform to tackle the blaze at Steamboat Quay on the Dock Road. The fire is understood to have been well-established upon arrival. 

They fought the blaze for over two hours to bring it under control. Firefighters, who were wearing breathing apparatuses, entered the apartment to ensure there were no persons present and extinguish the fire.

READ MORE: Limerick man charged over €200k cocaine seizure, at special court sitting

It is understood the four people, who were in the apartment, had escaped before the fire took hold. Dozens of residents in the block also left their homes.

It is understood that the fire was contained within the apartment and did not spread to neighbouring flats. It is not known how the blaze started but it is not believed to be suspicious.

The apartment is said to be extensively damaged as plumes of smoke could be seen across the city.

Gardai and paramedics from the National Ambulance Service also attended the scene.