GARDAI were yesterday continuing their investigation into a fire which caused an estimated £5 million damage when it destroyed the warehouses of one of Munster's largest wholesalers.
According to a senior Garda source, arson has not been ruled out. The fire destroyed the 40,000 square foot premises of Punch & Co Cash & Carry at Mayfield in the north of Cork city.
Gardai received a report of a fire outside the premises when someone rang to say there were pallets burning at the rear of the warehouse. According to a fire brigades but his may have ignited the war use.
The blaze was noticed shortly before 10 p.m. on Wednesday and five units of Cork City Fire Brigade comprising 30, firefighters spent more than six hours bringing it under control.
Although a Punches spokesperson was reluctant to comment on the amount of damage other than to say it was "extensive", it is understood the cost could be as high as £5 million.
The company, which supplies, Mace, Supersave and Swift stores, promised to continue trading.