A lorry drawing bales of hay went up in smoke in Co. Monaghan earlier today (Friday, July 23) with local fire crews called in to tackle the blaze.

The incident saw Monaghan Fire brigades respond earlier today with crews from Castleblayney and Ballybay taking swift action to quench the blaze.

Taking to Twitter afterwards, the fire and rescue service said:

"Castleblayney and Ballybay crews in attendance at a rural fire involving a HGV [heavy goods vehicle] carrying hay."

No further details are known about the incident at this time.

With the current hot, dry conditions continuing in parts of the country, safety around machinery and fire prevention techniques are particularly relevant.

Here are some useful tips to reduce the risk of your tractor or machinery catching fire.

The safest way to deal with fire is to prevent it according to the Health and Safety Authority.