UPDATE: Local firefighter suffers extensive injuries following 'devastating' house fire

A local firefighter has suffered extensive injuries following a blaze in Mount Temple yesterday, which completely destroyed the family home of Nigel and Lisa Grennan.

While stable, the Athlone man is in hospital with extensive injuries to the back, shoulder, ankle, leg and ribs, and is expected to require surgery.

An earlier statement this morning from the fire services this morning had said: “He was treated for suspected ankle fracture on scene and transferred by ambulance to Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore where he underwent treatment for his injuries”.

Athlone Fire Brigade was first alerted to the house fire at Carn Park, Mount Temple at lunch time yesterday (Thursday).

“On arrival, the house was fully involved in the fire which had breached the roof.

“During the course of firefighting operations, a wall collapsed and a firefighter was struck by falling debris,” the statement from the fire services this morning continued, adding that Westmeath County Council is currently investigating the incident.

Unfortunately, the home of Nigel and Lisa Grennan was completely gutted in the blaze.

Since then, the local community has quickly sprung into action, setting up a GoFundMe page which has already raised over €45,000 for the couple, who thankfully, were not in the house at the time.

“We as a community, are devastated for the incredible loss of their family home, which was built and completed only two years ago.

“Fortunately, Lisa, Nigel and their two young children were not in the house at the time, but they now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and their home following the loss of everything they own,” the GoFundMe page set up for the Nigel, who is a former Offaly footballer, and his wife Lisa, a well known local singer, who only recently launched a video with Simon Casey.

Cllr John Dolan, who knows the couple well, said the whole area is devastated for such a popular family.

“The community were quick to act and all we can do now is look forward and see where we can do to help. That's where communities are great at rallying around.

“We can just be glad the family is okay, the house can be replaced, and will be,” he added.

Fine Gael Cllr John Dolan sent his his best wishes to the injured firefighter, saying that it just shows how essential services like these, put their lives on the line for us all, everytime they are called out.

While the fire has been “devastating news” for the couple, Cllr Frankie Keena (FF) hailed the “marvellous community support” to the GoFundMe page and efforts to help the family who have lost everything.

He said there will be further community initiatives to help the Grennan family in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, he thanked everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe page, and asked anyone who can support the family via the fundraiser to do so.