A helicopter assisted crews by dropping water over a large gorse fire in the hills above Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan yesterday (Thursday, April 10).

Fire crews from CN17 Ballyconnell, CN18 Belturbet fire station, and Killeshandra Fire Service CN19 battled gorse fires for several hours under "challenging conditions" above Snugborough, on Doon mountain, according to Cavan County Council.

The helicopter was used for a number of hours. Civil defence provided drone assistance with Coillte also in attendance at the scene.

While the fire has now been brought under control, Ballyconnell fire brigade returned to the site this morning to damp down some hot spots and ensure that it remains under control and does not ignite again.

This incident followed another fire dealt with by fire crews on Bawnboy near Glan Gap earlier in the day. This gorse fire was eventually brought under control.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a Status Orange, High Forest Fire Risk Warning, which remains in place nationally until April 14.

Fire behaviour and spread rates will be strongly influenced by increasingly dry fuel conditions, low humidity levels and light to moderate windspeeds. Windspeeds may exceed 20km/h in some areas at times.

Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers, and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, and to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the gardaí and to report all fires immediately to the fire and emergency Services via 112/999.

The department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire.