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Poor visibility
Gardaí advise extreme caution in the Wicklow mountains as forest fire warning extended
Wicklow Fire Service has been battling dozens of fires in the area for several days.
GARDAÍ ARE WARNING that smoke from gorse fires is still causing extreme visibility issues in parts of the Wicklow mountains.
Wicklow Fire Brigade has been battling dozens of fires in the area for several days and gardaí are advising people to avoid both roads through the Sally Gap.
The fires are now under control however they are still smoldering in places. Military Road is closed from the Sally Gap to the Featherbeds to allow fire personnel to ensure the fire remains under control.
Aidan Dempsey of Wicklow Fire service said they have concerns that the fire will start up again so they constantly monitoring the situation and communicating with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Air Corps.
A spokesman for Gardaí in Wicklow warned anyone who must travel in the area to obey road signs and drive with great caution.
Smoke from the fires on the Sally Gap spread as far as Blessington Lakes and people in the area were advised to remain indoors and keep their windows closed.
The Air Corps and Coillte assisted the fire brigade in tackling the blazes by using helicopter buckets to dump tonnes of water on the flames.
The fire brigade also used drones to get a birds eye view on the movements of the fires.
The Department of Agriculture issued a red forest fire warning last week. It was due to expire today however it has been extended until Friday.
The red warning indicates an extreme fire risk and advises against the use of all outdoor fires, including barbeques and other ignition sources.
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