The scene of today’s fire
FIRE officers are tackling a huge gorse fire in the county today.
The blaze broke out on ground at Ardsbeg, Gortahork earlier.
It’s one of a number of reported fires around Donegal today, with another fire reported near Ramelton.
The blazes come just hours after Donegal County Council and fire brigade staff warned that the recent dry weather had created dangerous gorse fire conditions.
Our picture shows the Gortahork fire with the snow-topped ‘Taobh a’Leithead’ mountain behind.
A council spokeswoman said conditions exist for further fires.
“Our appeal follows information received from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine which advised forest owners, managers and the public that high forest fire risk conditions now exist over parts of Ireland and that these conditions are expected to continue over the coming Easter holiday weekend.
“Despite the severe weather being experienced in many parts of the country, the Fire Weather Index forecast produced by Met Eireann for the period 27th to 31st March predicts high fire risk conditions for fire in many parts of Ireland.
“Low rainfall and moderate South-East or East breezes are forecast to continue for the coming days and will contribute to high fire risk conditions particularly in the South West, West and North-West of the country.
“Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and holiday makers are asked to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to the Gardai and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services.
“The Department also recommends that forest owners, managers and investors should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire.”