A number of houses have been evacuated after a huge gorse fire broke out in the Bunbeg area today.
At least two houses have been damaged and a number of other houses are under threat as a result of the blaze.
A total of five units of the fire service from Dungloe, Gaoth Dobhair, Falcarragh, Glenties and Letterkenny have rushed to the scene.
There are no reports of injuries at this time but it is believed that an oil tank at the rear of one of the houses did explode in the Knockastoler area.
Bobby McMenamin, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, appealed to people to be careful during the present dry conditions.
He also revealed that there are OTHER fires in Loughanure, Churchill and Crolly.
“With the dry weather and a strong breeze a times, we have the perfect conditions for these gorse fires.
“We would appeal to people not to light fires outside because they can blow things around and it can catch.
“We are currently battling a number of fires in different locations and it is getting very busy. So far there has been no reports of any injuries.
“However we believe that at least two houses have been damaged in the Bunbeg area where there is a particularly aggressive gorse fire spreading in the area.
“We are asking people in the area to be very careful,” he said.
Gardai have also introduced a number of road diversions to take people away from the paths of the fires.
More news as we get it……
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