Update: Number of people treated for smoke inhalation following Lakepoint blaze

A number of people had to be treated for smoke inhalation following a fire that broke out a house in The Avenue, Lakepoint, Mullingar last night (Tuesday).

Fire services were called to the scene at approximately 8.30pm.

One house was "gutted" while three others sustained extensive fire damage.

The blaze started after an oil tank to the rear of a house caught fire, spreading to the house and adjacent properties.

It's understood the garda scenes of crime unit are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the start of the blaze.

A total of 19 fire officers and four fire appliances, from Mullingar and Castlepollard, attended the blaze, which was brought under control around midnight last night.

A number of personell stayed throughout the night to dampen down the scene.

A spokesperson for Mullingar Fire Service said he was "thankful" that no one was injured.

"The houses were evacuated by the time we arrived at the scene. A couple of people had to be treated for smoke inhalation but no one was injured. We are thankful that no one was injured."