Gorse fire brought under control in South East as warning remains in effect
A gorse fire in the south-east of the country has been brought under control as of Thursday morning.
Temperatures are expected to soar in the coming days with a fire risk warning for dry areas.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, fire crews from Lismore and Cappoquin attended the gorse fire at Mount Melleray Hill.
Pic: Getty Images
A gorse fire broke out on the higher ground behind the Abbey in the West Waterford area, with flames seen for miles.
WLR FM confirm that the fire posed no immediate threats to nearby homes as the affected area was situated away from residential dwellings.
The publication added that there was concern among residents in surrounding areas, however, the fire was brought under control from 5am.
Pic: Getty Images
It comes amid a weather warning from Coillte regarding a Status Orange HIGH Forest Fire Risk across the country.
The warning remains in place until 12pm on Monday.
Forestry organisation Coillte said: ‘Fire behaviour, spread rates and difficulty of suppression will be strongly influenced by increasingly dry fuel conditions, low humidity levels associated with easterly winds, and moderate to fresh windspeeds.
Pic: Getty Images
‘Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in high risk areas.’
The public was urged to be extra vigilant. Anyone who sees suspicious activity is advised to report it to An Garda Síochána immediately.
It comes as further dry and settled conditions are forecast for the coming days, with Met Éireann noting it is ‘mild for the time of year.’
Looking towards next week, current indications suggest it will be a largely dry week with temperatures remaining in the mid to high teens.
