FIREFIGHTERS ARE CONTINUING to battle a large gorse fire in the Dublin Mountains this morning, with smoke from the blaze drifting across parts of south Dublin.

According to Dublin Fire Brigade, crews have been tackling the fire off the Piperstown Road, close to the Hellfire Club, since around 2am.

As of 10am, three fire engines, a specialist jeep, a district officer and a drone unit remained at the scene.

The fire service has urged the public to avoid the area, warning that smoke is affecting visibility on nearby roads including the M50.

Smoke from the blaze has also travelled into parts of Tallaght and Templeogue, with residents advised to keep windows and doors closed if affected.

Farmers in the area have also been asked to check on livestock.

The incident comes amid an extended spell of warm, dry weather across Dublin and much of the country, conditions that have contributed to a number of recent gorse fires in upland areas.

While controlled burning is a common land management practice in some rural areas, it is prohibited between 1 March and 31 August under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act.

The restriction aims to reduce wildfire risks during nesting season and periods of dry weather. Those convicted of illegal burning offences can also face reviews of grants received from Government departments.

According to Met Éireann, dry and warm conditions are expected to continue until Friday, before rain arrives over the weekend.