Stardust inquests told of possibility of ‘smaller fire’

The Stardust inquests have heard how a “smaller localised fire” could have been in the roof space over the area where the fire was first spotted by those inside.

Dr Will Hutchison, a fire expert with over 20 years’ experience, is continuing his evidence today at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court, into the possible origins of the fire.

Questioned by Mark Tottenham, counsel for the inquests, Dr Hutchinson agreed that there could have been a localised fire in the roof space above the west alcove and that that fire might have started in the hot press.

Maps of the layout of the Stardust were displayed in court today and showed that the hot press was located in the main bar beside the west alcove.

Mark Tottenham asked, given the fire damage to the hot press, if it is “at least likely” the fire started there.

“Yes,” Dr Hutchinson replied, “possible, rather than probable”.

He also agreed that it was “quite likely” that it started in the west alcove.

The jury was also shown photos of the main bar which were taken in the aftermath of the fire.

The bar, which had been closed with shutters when the fire broke out, the court heard, had a “relative lack of damage”. Pointing to the damage caused to the hot press, the coroner Dr Myra Cullinane, asked if that damage was “disproportionate”.

Dr Hutchinson said it was, saying the hot press’ cabinet was severely fire damaged, “much more so” than the main bar.

He also agreed that it was “extremely unlikely” that the fire started in either the store or lamp rooms, and agreed that it is “very unlikely” that a sustained large fire could have been in the roof space before it was seen in the west alcove.

The inquests continue.