Fatal fire in Waterford under murder investigation
A tragic arson attack in Waterford City resulted in the deaths of four family members and left two children critically injured. Gardaí have launched a full investigation, appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from the early morning hours.
Source:
An Garda Síochána
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⏱️ 2 min read
An Garda Síochána has launched a murder inquiry following a devastating arson attack that caused a fatal house fire in Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City, on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service, and Gardaí, responded swiftly to the blaze shortly after 5am, but tragically two adults and two children lost their lives, while two other children remain in critical condition at Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin.
The residence has been secured as a crime scene and is undergoing a detailed technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Waterford Coroner’s office and the State Pathologist’s office have been notified, with post-mortem examinations scheduled to take place at University Hospital Waterford under the supervision of Professor Linda Mulligan and Dr SallyAnne Collis. This harrowing event has deeply affected the local community and all members of An Garda Síochána, who extend their condolences to the bereaved family.
The investigation is being led from Waterford Garda Station by the Serious Crime Unit, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other divisional resources. Gardaí believe the fire was deliberately ignited by unknown individuals and are urgently appealing for anyone with information or who was near Birch Avenue between 4.30am and 5.30am to come forward. Motorists with dashcam footage from the area at that time are also urged to assist. Contact can be made via the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The residence has been secured as a crime scene and is undergoing a detailed technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Waterford Coroner’s office and the State Pathologist’s office have been notified, with post-mortem examinations scheduled to take place at University Hospital Waterford under the supervision of Professor Linda Mulligan and Dr SallyAnne Collis. This harrowing event has deeply affected the local community and all members of An Garda Síochána, who extend their condolences to the bereaved family.
The investigation is being led from Waterford Garda Station by the Serious Crime Unit, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other divisional resources. Gardaí believe the fire was deliberately ignited by unknown individuals and are urgently appealing for anyone with information or who was near Birch Avenue between 4.30am and 5.30am to come forward. Motorists with dashcam footage from the area at that time are also urged to assist. Contact can be made via the incident room at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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