The fire that has raged in the Cloosh Valley in Co. Galway for the past few days has been suppressed, Coillte has recently confirmed.
It was suppressed after good progress was made yesterday evening to bring the situation under control, Coillte added.
Coillte staff and army personnel are expected to remain on-site today to monitor hot spots, as there is still some risk that fires could re-ignite.
With stable weather conditions and a forecast of rain on Saturday evening, it is hoped that there will be no further resurgence of the fire.
Inspection works will take place today on areas of the site that were affected by the fire and these will remain restricted, according to Coillte.
The public has been asked to stay away from any areas affected by these fires until such time as they are deemed completely safe.
Coillte sincerely appreciates all the assistance it continues to receive from staff, volunteers, emergency services and defence forces – in helping to combat the fire.
‘Liable to prosecution by the Gardai’
Earlier this week both the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Michael Creed, and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, condemned the recent spate of illegal fires.
Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within the prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Siochana or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, a joint statement from the ministers read.
Deliberate or uncontrolled fires can destroy habitats, wildlife, farm land and structures and can threaten homes and lives, Minister Humphreys said.