Donegal County Council has appealed to landowners in West Donegal to cut back vegetation near homes and oil tanks which could catch fire.
It follows the escalation of a major gorse fire in the Annagry, Belcruit and Loughanure areas which has spread for miles since this morning.
The fire broke out at approximately 6am this morning at Annagry and continues to burn this afternoon in the Annagry, Belcruit and Loughanure areas.
A council spokesperson confirmed that a total of 15 fire appliances from 12 brigades are currently deployed at the scene.
There are no reported casualties or damaged properties at this time.
The notice of high fire risk (Condition Orange) remains effective for all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses and other dead vegetation exist.
A council spokesperson said “Donegal County Council appeals to landowners and members of the public to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of wildfires involving material such as gorse, heather and similar.
“Landowners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire Service by dialling 999 or 112.
“The Council is also urging landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities that could cause wildfires.
“House-holders or building owners in areas susceptible to wildfire are advised to remove or cut back any vegetation in the immediate vicinity of their house, building or oil tank to prevent wildfires damaging or destroying their property.
“Donegal County Council would also like to remind landowners and members of the public that
under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.”
Pictured above: A father and son battle the gorse fire together. Picture by Brid Sweeney.