Firefighters were battling two major gorse fires in the Dublin Mountains, with aerial support playing a key role as the Dublin Fire Brigade deployed its best efforts to bring the blazes under control in just a few hours.
The fires, which broke out shortly after 2am on Thursday, are located off Piperstown Road near the Hellfire Club and at nearby Glassamucky Road, close to where it meets Cunard Road Upper. More than 20 firefighters and around five fire engines have been deployed to the scene.
Dublin Fire Brigade says smoke from the fires had spread across parts of south Dublin and into Dublin city, with visibility on some roads — including sections near the M50 — significantly affected.
Residents in impacted areas have been urged to keep doors and windows closed despite the warm weather.
Crews say strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, with reports of “whirling vortices” forming as the fire spreads across dry upland terrain.
An aerial firefighting operation, including helicopter support, helped contain the blaze from above.
The public has been strongly advised to avoid the area, and authorities have warned against flying drones near the incident due to safety risks and interference with emergency operations. Farmers in the surrounding area have also been asked to check on livestock as a precaution.
A second gorse fire in the Dublin Mountains was burning close to the first, adding to pressure on emergency services already stretched across multiple upland incidents.
Meanwhile, a separate gorse fire on Bray Head was brought under control by Wicklow fire services, with crews from Bray and Greystones continuing damping-down operations alongside Civil Defence drone support.
Wicklow County Council has reported a series of recent gorse fires across the county during the current spell of hot, dry weather, including repeated incidents on the Sugarloaf as well as fires in areas such as Greystones, Rathdrum, Aughrim, Baltinglass, Bray and Wicklow town.
The incidents come during conditions that significantly increase wildfire risk in upland areas.
Under Irish law, controlled burning is prohibited between 1 March and 31 August under the Wildlife Act, due to the heightened danger during dry periods and nesting season.
According to Met Éireann, warm and dry conditions are expected to persist until Friday, with rain forecast over the weekend.
