Four houses and a number of cars were damaged after a massive fire in Co Meath overnight.
The terrifying incident happened when a van went up in flames at around 4am in Meadowbank Hill housing estate in Ratoath.
The blaze quickly spread to nearby homes and other cars, before being extinguished by local fire services.
The area was evacuated and thankfully, there are no reports of any injuries.
Gardai are awaiting the results of a technical examination to determine the cause of the fire.
One of the houses suffered extensive damage.
A garda spokesman said: "A number of houses and vehicles have been damaged following a fire in a housing estate in Ratoath, Co Meath.
"The alarm was raised shortly after 4am when a van was discovered on fire on the driveway of a house at Meadowbank Hill.
"It‘s understood the fire quickly spread to neighbouring houses and a car parked nearby.
"The fires were extinguished by local fire services and the area was evacuated and there was no reports of any injuries.
"Two houses have been extensively damaged while smoke damage has been caused to adjoining houses.
"The scene is preserved for examination. Local Gardaí say it's not yet clear how the fire started and they await the results of a technical examination."
