FIRE SERVICES IN Co Donegal are at the scene of a gorse fire on Fahan Hill, Buncrana, Co Donegal.
The Buncrana Fire Brigade were called to the fire at around 12.05 last night.
Due to the large size and intensity of the blaze, brigades from Carndonagh, Moville and Stranorlar were called to assist the Buncrana Fire Service.
The incident was closed down at around 6.10am this morning, however, at around 10.40am the Buncrana Fire Brigade were called back to the same area after the fire reignited.
Donegal’s acting chief fire officer, Joseph McTaggart says so far they have received “no information” to indicate that the fire was started maliciously.
He also said there were “no reports of any injuries” and because the fire is ongoing, “the extent of the damage” has not yet been determined.
Since 1 April 2013, there have been 97 gorse fires in Co Donegal. Fifty-seven of those were recorded during Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this weekend.
“The conditions at the moment are extremely favourable for the ignition and spread of gorse fires,” said Officer McTaggart.
He has asked the public to exercise extreme caution to reduce the number of these incidences.
“When the brigades are responding to gorse fires they are not immediately available for house fires, crashes etc.,” said McTaggart. “A delayed response could result in loss of life, injury or increased loss of property.”
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