Tributes to pensioner who died in early morning house fire in Dungarvan

Tributes have been paid to a pensioner who died in an early morning blaze at his home.

The body of Jim Sandford, who was in his 80s and a retired painter and decorator, was found at the property in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, yesterday.

Gardai and the fire services raced to the house on Davis Street in the centre of the town after receiving calls at around 9am.

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Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and found Mr Sandford in one of the rooms.

The pensioner, who lived alone, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the tragedy is now being investigated.

14/01/2024. Fatal house fire at Davis Mews, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Mr Sandford’s body has been taken to University Hospital Waterford for a postmortem. Nobody else was injured in the blaze.

Local Fine Gael councillor Damien Geoghegan said last night: “It’s very sad news and a blow to our community to lose someone under such tragic circumstances.

“Jim was from a well-known and long-established Dungarvan Family, and my sympathies to Jim’s family, friends and neighbours.”

And Sinn Fein councillor Conor McGuinness said yesterday: “Terribly sad news in Dungarvan with the confirmation that the house fire at Davis Street claimed a life.”

He added: “I know people locally are shocked and saddened by the news.

“My thoughts are with the deceased and his relations and I offer them my sincere condolences at this sad time.”

And local independent councillor Seamus O’Donnell said yesterday of the victim: “He was well known in the area.

“He was very easy going and very well regarded.”

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