Investigations into a Dublin fire are trying to establish whether the blaze was started intentionally.

A woman has gone into labour during the evacuation at the 4-storey apartment block in Clondalkin.

Children and residents were lowered from windows and balconies to escape the fire at the Thornfield Apartments on Watery Lane shortly after 5.30am this morning.

View of the back of the apartments

10 units of the fire-brigade were dispatched to the scene where a number of residents were treated for smoke inhalation. One person was taken to hospital.

The blaze has since been brought under control and all residents have been accounted for. The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.

Paul was one of the residents evacuated from the block this morning.

Fianna Fail Councillor for the area is Trevor Gilligan. He is appealing for anyone who knows anything about the incident to come forward.