Fire fighters battle blaze on Cuilcagh overnight

People across west Cavan and Fermanagh were shocked to observe a fire burning on Cuilcagh Mountain yesterday evening and into last night.

Firefighters tackled the large gorse fire on Cuilcagh Mountain, which could be seen almost 20 miles away.

Some reports suggest the fire could have stretched 500 metres wide.

Part of the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, it features the popular Stairway to Heaven boardwalk.

A spokesperson from Cavan County Fire Service said Ballyconnell fire service also attended a gorse fire in the vicinity of Corraclassy ESB Substation, near Glangevlin in West Cavan, last night.

"Firefighters managed to protect the substation from sustaining any damage," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile Dowra fire service was in attendance at a forestry fire covering approximately 8 acres of land last night from 10pm to 2am.

"The fire was in proximity to a number of local residences but the firefighters managed to keep all properties safe."

There were fires spotted on Cuilcagh in the Marlbank region.

"The public are reminded that dry, windy conditions such as those forecast in the coming days bring an elevated risk of gorse, forestry, and other outdoor fires.

"Please do not light any outdoor fires, and ensure cigarettes and other rubbish are disposed of properly," the spokesperson warned.