Sports events cancelled as gorse fire burns in south Dublin
Firefighters from Dún Laoghaire are continuing to battle a gorse fire in the Cherrywood and Ticknock area of south Co Dublin, which has been burning since Tuesday night.
Crews from Dublin Fire Brigade remain at the scene, where smoke from the blaze has been visible over surrounding areas. Gentle easterly winds have been carrying the smoke across parts of the city.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said the blaze is located on land adjoining council property. In a statement, it said the affected area is now smouldering and under close observation by fire crews, with two fire engines remaining on site.
As a precaution, access routes near the fire have been closed and all football and sports activities in the area have been cancelled for the rest of the week and the weekend. Local residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke.
Under Irish law, the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation on uncultivated land is prohibited between March 1st and August 31st each year.
Dublin Fire Brigade has urged the public not to tackle wildfires themselves, to move to safety, and to call 112 or 999 with a clear location if one is spotted.
