One man has since been arrested in relation to the incident.
A Garda investigation is underway into a fire in Athlone last night.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the blaze but three houses have been damaged.
It broke out just after 8 o'clock in the St. Mary's Place area and took around two hours before being brought under control.
One man has since been arrested and is being held in Athlone Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
In a post on Facebook, local Fianna Fail councillor Frankie Keena claims it's as a result of continuing anti-social behaviour in the area.
Meanwhile, the three derelict houses are being boarded up after going up in flames.
Mayor of Athlone, Aengus O'Rourke says the authorities are working on a clean-up operation today:
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