Two children and two adults die in Waterford house fire; two other children critically injured
Two children, a man, and a woman have died following a house fire in the Birchwood estate in Kilcohan, Waterford city, in the early hours of Tuesday 13 October 2026. Two other children were removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 5am (Waterford Fire Service received the call at 5.13am) to a two-storey house on Birch Avenue. Firefighters from local stations arrived to find a well-developed blaze.
They extinguished the fire and removed casualties. A large cordon remains in place, and the scene has been handed over to An Garda Síochána.
Gardaí confirmed the four deaths and the two critically injured children. An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station, a senior investigating officer has been appointed, and family liaison officers are supporting those affected.
Officers are investigating all circumstances surrounding the fire and have appealed for information from anyone who was in the Birch Avenue, Birchwood area in the early hours of 13 October. Contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The family is understood to have lived in the semi-detached house and to have been well-known locally. Some media reports indicate that Gardaí are treating the incident as a criminal investigation, with the possibility of deliberate targeting (including arson) among the lines of inquiry, though this has not been confirmed in official statements.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the situation as “very worrying and deeply disturbing.” He offered thoughts and prayers to those who lost their lives and all affected, thanked first responders, and asked the public to give them and Gardaí space to work.
Local Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane, who said he knew the family well and had met one of them recently, spoke of “absolute heartbreak,” particularly with children involved, and of his own shock. Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy described the pain as “beyond comprehension” and noted the helplessness felt in the tight-knit community. Local TD John Cummins said Waterford had been “plunged into utter devastation and sadness” and emphasised community solidarity. Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan called it an “unspeakable tragedy” and “totally unnatural” to lose multiple lives this way.
Waterford City and County Council has opened a support hub at the Butler Community Centre in St John’s Park for those affected.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected as Gardaí continue their inquiries. This remains a developing story.
