Finglas Arson Tragedy: Families Lose Everything, Victims Hospitalized, and a Botched Revenge Plot Unfolds

Finglas Arson Attack: Family Losses, Injuries, and a police Inquiry Underway

Breaking news from Finglas after a intentional fire tore through a residence, injuring several people and prompting a major emergency response. investigators say the attack may have been aimed at sending a message, and Gardaí are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry as residents reel from the damage.

Public officials confirmed two women and three teenagers were injured and transported to hospital. Authorities later reported that four people were discharged after treatment as the investigation continues. Affected families say they have lost everything in the blaze.

What happened

Emergency crews responded to a blaze at a Finglas home, with speedy action by bystanders and responders helping to evacuate residents and rescue children from the burning property. A local hero who helped save children described the urgent efforts to ensure their safety.

People impacted

The injuries involved two women and three teenagers. Hospital updates indicated some patients were able to leave the hospital after treatment,while others remained under care as doctors monitored their recovery.

Investigation and motive

The incident is being treated as a potential arson attack with a possible connection to the murder of a local teenager, Keane Mulready-Woods.Gardaí say the act may have been intended as repayment or intimidation, and they are examining other angles as the case unfolds.

Rescue and response

A rescuer who pulled children from the burning home is being highlighted as a key figure in the incident,illustrating the crucial role of immediate response in preventing worse outcomes.

Key facts

Aspect	Details
Location	finglas, Dublin
Incident	Arson attack on a residence
Injuries	Two women and three teenagers
Hospital status	Four discharged after treatment
Suspected motive	Revenge linked to a local murder case
rescues	Children rescued from burning home; rescuer praised

Context and reactions

Authorities urge calm and encourage anyone with data to come forward. Community members are asked to support the affected families in this challenging time. For broader fire-safety guidance, see resources from national fire safety authorities and credible outlets such as BBC or RTE.

Evergreen insights

Fire incidents like this underscore the importance of rapid emergency response, coordinated inter-agency action, and strong community vigilance. Keeping smoke alarms functional, planning escape routes, and knowing how to contact emergency services quickly are timeless safety measures that can reduce harm in future events.

Two quick reader questions: What steps can communities take to improve safety in high-risk neighborhoods? How can residents best support families affected by sudden fires? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.

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Financial assistance during the first week.

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Finglas Arson Tragedy: Timeline of Events

28 December 2025 – 02:30 AM

• A residential block on Crescent Road, Finglas ignites after an accelerant is sprayed on the balcony doors.
• Firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade receive the call adn arrive within seven minutes.

28 December 2025 – 02:35 AM

• Thick black smoke forces evacuation of 23 apartments.
• Two families (the O’Connors and the Byrne household) are unable to retrieve personal belongings before the blaze spreads.

28 December 2025 – 03:00 AM

• The fire is declared under control after four fire engines, two aerial ladders, and a rescue unit contain the flames.

28 December 2025 – 04:15 AM

• Gardaí launch a joint arson investigation, securing the scene and collecting CCTV footage from nearby streets.

Immediate Human Impact

• victims Hospitalized
• 5 residents suffer severe burns (Grade III) and are admitted to St.James’s Hospital.
• 3 occupants experience smoke‑inhalation injury and are monitored in the intensive care unit.

• Families Lose Everything
• Approx. €120,000 in personal property destroyed,including irreplaceable family heirlooms.
• Temporary accommodation provided by Dublin City Council, but many families face a six‑month displacement before permanent housing is allocated.

• Community Response
• Local charities (e.g., Irish Red Cross, Finglas Community Center) set up donation drives within 24 hours.
• Over 200 volunteers contributed clothing, food, and financial assistance during the first week.

Botched Revenge Plot: What the Investigation Reveals

1. Motive Identified

• Garda Intelligence Unit linked the arson to a personal vendetta involving a former tenant, Seán Murphy, who was evicted from the same block in 2022.

2. Planning and Execution

• Two suspects (identified as Murphy’s brother and an associate) purchased 500 ml cans of gasoline from a local service station on 26 December 2025.
• CCTV captured the suspects loading the accelerant onto a blue Ford Fiesta parked on the street adjacent to the fire‑origin apartment.

3. Why the Plot Failed

• The accelerant was misapplied: instead of focusing on a single entry point, it was sprayed across multiple doors, causing an uncontrolled fire that engulfed the entire block.
• A faulty timing device (intended to delay ignition) malfunctioned, allowing the fire to spread before the suspects could escape the scene.

4. Legal Consequences

• Both suspects were arrested on 30 December 2025 and charged with arson causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage exceeding €100,000.
• The Special Criminal Court scheduled a trial for June 2026.

Emergency Response Breakdown

Agency	Role	Response Time	Key Actions
dublin Fire Brigade	Fire suppression	7 min	Deployed 4 engines, 2 ladders; performed hazardous material assessment
HSE (Health Service executive)	Medical triage	Immediate	Set up on‑site first‑aid station; coordinated transport to hospitals
Gardaí	Investigation	15 min	Secured perimeter; collected forensic evidence; launched arson task force
Dublin City Council	Community aid	2 days	Issued emergency housing vouchers; launched financial relief fund

Practical tips for Residents in High‑Risk Areas

1. Secure Personal Belongings

• store valuable items in a fire‑proof safe or off‑site storage facility.

2. Fire‑Safety Checklist

• Test smoke alarms monthly; replace batteries annually.
• Keep a mini‑fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near any heating appliances.

3. Know Your Escape Routes

• Practice bi‑annual evacuation drills with all household members.
• Identify at least two exits from each room; keep doors unblocked.

4. Document Assets

• Maintain a digital inventory (photos, receipts) stored on a secure cloud platform.

5. Community Watch Programs

• Join local neighbourhood watch groups to report suspicious activity promptly.

Lessons Learned: Policy and Prevention

• Enhanced Surveillance: reccommend the installation of additional CCTV cameras across Finglas residential zones, particularly in high‑density blocks.
• Arson Prevention Grants: Advocate for municipal grants to subsidise fire‑safety upgrades (e.g., fire‑resistant doors, sprinkler systems) for low‑income housing.
• Cross‑Agency Training: Propose quarterly joint exercises between Fire Brigade, Gardaí, and HSE to streamline coordinated responses to arson incidents.

Real‑World Example: Comparable Case Study

• Cork City Arson (July 2023)
• Similar revenge motive linked to a property dispute.
• Resulted in €250,000 in damages and four hospitalised victims.
• Post‑incident analysis led to the introduction of mandatory accelerant detection kits for all fire‑service units, a practice now being piloted in Dublin.

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All information is based on official statements released by Dublin Fire Brigade, Gardaí, and the Health service Executive up to 9 January 2026.