Pics: Firefighters battle gorse hilltop blaze in Laois
Firefighters had a busy weekend battling a large gorse fire in Co. Laois – with authorities warning that investigations will be made into the source of the blaze.
The fire broke out on Conlawn Hill, near Ballyfin, yesterday (Sunday, March 7), according to Laois County Fire and Rescue.
Taking to social media, the county’s fire and rescue service posted pictures of its teams battling the blaze.
In addition to the photos, Laois County Fire and Rescue said: “Crews from Mountrath, Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Rathdowney stations spent the day dealing with a large fire on Conlawn Hill near Ballyfin today.
Despite the early time of year, weather conditions today meant extremely rapid fire spread rates. The legal season for burning of vegetation has ended.
“An Garda Síochána and National Parks and Wildlife Service will be investigating the source of today’s fire,” the fire service added.
Last week, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine warned the public that the closed season is now in effect for land burning.
The department also reminded farmers of the negative consequences of burning land illegally.
The department also reminds farmers that the hedge-cutting season closed as well on March 1, and will remain so until August 31.
