Westmeath Fire Service worked around the clock for almost two days to battle a fire at Conroy’s Pallets in Sonna on Wednesday last. Smoke billowed out of the Conroy facility from Wednesday morning until Friday lunchtime.
In a display of the high regard the community has for the well-known local employers, the fire service were aided by neighbours in their attempts to stop the fire from engulfing the facility.
The Westmeath Fire Service quickly got the main fire under control, but timber smouldered long afterwards. It is not yet known what caused the combustion, but the scene has been examined by personnel attached to Mullingar Fire Station.
Smoke was observed several miles from the Sonna facility, located near the main Ballynacargy road. As it reached into the sky, locals came from all around, keen to assist the employer.
Tractors and other vehicles moved smoldering wood, with neighbours working around the clock to save the factory. One local man who was helping out had his house burgled only the night before, but it did not deter him from helping the Conroy’s out.
The actions of the locals were praised this week by local TD Willie Penrose who said their efforts “encapsulate the huge neighbourly spirit of rural Westmeath and this part of the county in particular.”
He added: “They rolled up their sleeves and did what they could. They should all stand proud of their achievements. Obviously the the Fire Brigade prevented substantial losses for the company and they had the fire well contained, but these people worked around the clock with the Conroy’s to control it and I know the family are incredibly grateful to all who helped out.”
One of Ireland’s best-know pallet companies, Conroy Pallets provide a complete end to end pallet service. They manufacture, purchase and repair all pallets and have a wealth of experience in this area.
Topic made several attempts to contact the Conroy family, but no one would comment on the fire as we went to press.
