Donegal firefighter devastated after losing house in blaze
A firefighter and father-of-six in Donegal has been left heartbroken after losing his house and possessions in a huge blaze.
Fergal Gatins, his wife Niamh and their six children lost almost everything when their home in Killybegs caught fire on Thursday night.
Gardaí and fire services responded to a report of a fire in the region at approximately 8.40pm.
Fergal Gatins, his wife Niamh and their six children lost almost everything when their home in Killybegs caught fire. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
While emergency services dealt with the incident, the road at Killybegs Common National School and from Parkhead Estate to Corporation had been temporarily closed.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the horrifying ordeal, though the family have seen nearly everything they own destroyed.
The Donegal Firefighters Association, where Fergal works, has set up a GoFundMe page to help him and his family get back on their feet.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the horrifying ordeal. Pic: Getty
It read: ‘The Donegal Firefighters Association have launched this GoFundMe campaign to support our member and Firefighter in Killybegs Fire Brigade, Fergal Gatins and his family after the devastating fire that destroyed their home and all their possessions on Thursday night last, 26th June 2026.
‘Fergal and his wife Niamh have six children, ranging in ages from 10 to 24 years of age and have been left with only the clothes on their back after the fire ravaged through their home.
‘We at the Donegal Firefighters Association are asking the local community, Fire Service community and beyond to raise much-needed funds for the Gatins Family to help them buy essential supplies and get back on track while they face this terrible ordeal they have found themselves in.
The Donegal Firefighters Association, where Fergal works, has set up a GoFundMe page. Pic: Getty Images
‘Any donation, no matter how small will go a long way on getting the Gatins Family back on their feet.’
Over 1,000 people have already contributed to the GoFundMe, raising over €62,000 so far. There is a €100,000 target set for the family.
