Limerick fire crews battle to control gorse fire

Crews from Limerick Fire and Rescue service are attending the scene of a gorse fire which has been blazing for more than 10 hours.

Two units – from Newcastle West and Rathkeale stations – were deployed to after the alarm was raised shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

The gorse fire – the latest to occur in County Limerick – is located at Knockfierna Hill, near Ballingarry.

The crews remain at the scene and a helicopter is on its way to dampen down the area.

It’s not known how the fire started and there are no reports of any injuries.

Chairman of the Knockfierna's heritage group - that aims to preserve and enhance the history of the hill and surrounding areas - Pat O'Donovan, complimented the fire service.

"We are disappointed that it has taken place, and it's disappointing for the walkers who use the hill," he said.

"But I must compliment the fire brigades - they kept it within one area and crucially stopped it from spreading too much.

"The Rambling House was in danger there but they kept it away from that and other facilities around. It's still quite smokey," he said.