Dublin Fire Brigade yesterday issued a closure order on a converted apartment building in Dublin's Mountjoy Square after an early morning fire which resulted in at least 14 people, all of whom are believed to be foreign nationals, being taken to hospital.
The building will remain closed for an indefinite period pending further examination for safety after the fire.
Between 38 and 40 people were rescued from the burning building after the fire, which was accompanied by thick, black smoke, broke out between 7.30am and 8.15am.
At one stage, fire brigade officers had to stop a woman holding her child from jumping from the building.
Gardaí and fire brigade officers were yesterday continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which is believed to have originated in the basement.Gardaí were also last night working with the social services to provide temporary accommodation for any residents left homeless.
At least 14 people - including three young children - were admitted to various hospitals around the city suffering mainly from smoke inhalation. All but one adult, whose condition is not thought to be life threatening, were later released.
A makeshift escape rope made from curtains tied together was clearly visible hanging from the third floor of the building yesterday. It is understood that at least one woman used this to gain access to the second floor of the building, where a window was broken.
Eight young adults were brought to the Mater hospital in Dublin. Seven were later released while one remained in hospital yesterday evening, according to a spokeswoman.
A further three adults were brought to Connolly hospital while three children were admitted to Temple Street hospital. All were later released.
The cause of the fire is unknown. Garda technical experts were at the scene.
A spokesman for Dublin Fire Brigade said five units as well as a number of ambulances attended the scene.
Robert Pytel (22), a supermarket worker from Poland who has lived in the building with his parents and sister for the past four months, described how he woke up to see fire accompanied by thick smoke at about 8am.
He told The Irish Times he saw a person trying to jump from the apartment building while another man had blood coming from his nose and asked for help.
Mr Pytel managed to escape with his family through the front door of the building. He said most of the residents were from countries such as China and Poland.
There had been problems with drug addicts and homeless people getting into the building in the past, he claimed.
He said the lock on the front door was broken "every two or three days". "Nothing like that has ever happened to me before.This is the worst Christmas ever."
Local Labour Party TD Joe Costello called for regular inspections of rented accommodation. He said the building consisted of 34 self-contained units.