Wildfires calmed after amazing response and 42,000 litres of water dropped

Raging wildfires which caused devastation across West Donegal today are now under control.

Firemen, civil defence, Gardai as well as hundreds of locals battled from 8am until this evening to bring the fires at Annangry and Loughanure under control.

An Air Corps helicopter dropped more than 42,000 litres of water onto the smouldering gorse o bring the fires under control.

Up to 40 members of the Defence Forces from Finner Camp joined the operation at 5pm this evening.

Hundreds of locals responded magnificently to the call to support the emergency services.

The fire will continue to be monitored overnight with a number of ‘hot-spots’ still under observation.

The Defence Forces’ Captain Paddy Molloy says the army and Air Corps are ready to offer further assistance if needed.

He said: “As of tonight, operations have been stood down, pending further requests tomorrow to aid the local authorities.”