Gorse fires continue to rage across northwest

Defence Forces members and three helicopters have been deployed over the northwest of the country to tackle extensive gorse fires – some of which fire officials believe were started deliberately.

THE ATTEMPT TO bring several raging gorse fires in Co Donegal under control continues this morning, with as many as 100 members of the Defence Forces and three helicopters beings deployed to stricken areas.

A number of roads and routes have been closed, with AA Roadwatch strongly warning motorists, sightseers and hill walkers to avoid these areas until further notice:

Donegal

The N56/Letterkenny/Killybegs Rd between Lettermacaward and Dungloe is closed; the Dungloe/Doochary Rd (R252) is also closed.

Down/Louth

Care is required on the A1/N1 Newry/Dundalk Road due to possible reduced visibility. Nearby, a number of roads are closed in the Annalong Wood area of the Mourne Mountains.

RTÉ reports that more than 100,000 litres were dropped yesterday on areas affected by the fires – and helicopters carrying Bambi buckets were deployed again today.

Fire officials have said they believe some of the fires were started deliberately.

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