CO LOUTH, Ireland - Families, including children, were forced to flee a building accommodating people applying for International Protection in Drogheda on Friday night after a fire that Gardaí believe was started deliberately.

Emergency services were called to the IPAS center on Georges Street at about 8:15pm Friday night, after reports of a blaze that was initially thought to have been caused by fireworks. However, investigations by Gardaí now indicate the fire was intentionally started by unknown individuals.

There were twenty-eight people seeking asylum living at the center at the time of the fire.

The incident is being treated as arson, and Gardaí say the act posed a serious risk to the lives of those inside the property at the time.

"This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital," Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said Saturday.

"Alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected," he added.

All occupants were safely evacuated, though several were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment.

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry, based at an incident room in Drogheda Garda Station.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was in the Georges Street area between 7:30pm and 8:20pm on Friday, October 31, or who may have information about the incident.

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Investigations are continuing.

(File photo).