Four killed in deliberate Waterford house fire
A fatal arson attack claimed four lives in Birchwood, Waterford, on 13 October 2026. Gardaí continue a rigorous investigation with no arrests yet, appealing for public assistance and dashcam footage to aid the case.
Source:
An Garda Síochána
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⏱️ 2 min read
An Garda Síochána is intensifying its investigation into the tragic multiple murder resulting from a deliberately set house fire in Birchwood, Waterford City, which took place shortly after 5am on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Two children injured in the blaze remain in critical condition at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin. The residence on Birch Avenue remains sealed off as a crime scene while the Garda Technical Bureau carries out a thorough examination. Post-mortem examinations on the four victims are ongoing at University Hospital Waterford, conducted by Chief State Pathologist Professor Linda Mulligan and State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis.
The inquiry is being led from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station by a Senior Investigating Officer, supported by divisional and national criminal investigation units. Numerous searches across Waterford city have been conducted, with several electronic devices and vehicles seized for forensic analysis. No arrests have been made to date. Chief Superintendent Pettit has urged anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area between 4.30am and 5.30am on the morning of the fire to come forward, emphasising the community’s crucial role in resolving this devastating crime. Contact details include Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Two children injured in the blaze remain in critical condition at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin. The residence on Birch Avenue remains sealed off as a crime scene while the Garda Technical Bureau carries out a thorough examination. Post-mortem examinations on the four victims are ongoing at University Hospital Waterford, conducted by Chief State Pathologist Professor Linda Mulligan and State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis.
The inquiry is being led from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station by a Senior Investigating Officer, supported by divisional and national criminal investigation units. Numerous searches across Waterford city have been conducted, with several electronic devices and vehicles seized for forensic analysis. No arrests have been made to date. Chief Superintendent Pettit has urged anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area between 4.30am and 5.30am on the morning of the fire to come forward, emphasising the community’s crucial role in resolving this devastating crime. Contact details include Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
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