Four dead, two children critically injured in Waterford fire

A deliberate fire at a family home in Waterford killed four people, including two children, and left two other children critically injured, Gardaí said. An Garda Síochána has opened a murder investigation into the blaze at Birch Avenue in the Birchwood area, which the force believes was started deliberately by an unknown person or people. The Waterford Fire Service said it received an alert at 5:13 a.m. on October 13, 2026. Crews found a well-developed fire in the two-storey house, began firefighting and removed casualties. After extinguishing the blaze, they handed the scene to Gardaí. Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said the dead were two adults and two of their children. The other two children were taken to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin for treatment of critical injuries. The house has been declared a crime scene and is undergoing a technical examination, Gardaí said. Investigators are seeking information from anyone who was near Birch Avenue between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. on October 13, including drivers who may have dashcam footage or images. Gardaí have asked witnesses to contact the investigation team or any Garda station.