MEATH’S CHIEF FIRE Officer has sought to reassure people that their homes are safe as firefighters tackle a fresh blaze that has sprung up outside the village of Kildalkey, about 10 kilometers west of Trim.

Meath Fire Service has spent several days battling wildfires raging in Frayne bog. Monday afternoon brought a fresh flare up in an area that had previously been untouched by flames.

Firefighters are creating fire breaks to prevent the spread of the blaze and crews from Oldcastle and Trim are combatting it with water and beaters.

Meath’s Chief Fire Officer, Sheila Broderick, sought to reassure people living in the area that their homes are not at risk as firefighters managed to contain the fire before it could pose a threat to properties.

She added that firefighters will stay at the scene as long as is necessary. Fire personnel remained in the bog overnight as previous flare ups required constant attention.

The exact cause of the fires is not yet known but Broderick said a leading theory is that it was sparked by rubbish discarded in the area.

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.