By Dan Walsh

Five firefighting crews continue to be present at the site of a fire on Tara Hill in North Wexford, this afternoon after working through the night.

The crews, from Gorey, Bunclody, Arklow and Carnew, are currently keeping the fire under control, with assistance from Coillte, Gardaí and local farmers, through the supply of water tankers, traffic control and the creation of fire breaks in the area. 

The blaze started at around 15.45 yesterday afternoon and sent plumes of smoke into the air throughout the night.

People living or working in the immediate area are being asked to remain indoors, close all doors and windows and switch off ventilation systems.

Air quality monitoring, conducted by the Wexford County Council Environment team, indicates that while Gorey is being impacted by smoke from the fires, the overall air quality is considered Good, moving to Fair quality.  

Other towns, including Bunclody and Ferns, are being impacted to a lesser degree, and air quality remains good.

As a precautionary measure, vulnerable customers in these areas – elderly adults, those with small babies and those with breathing conditions- should close doors and windows and switch off ventilation systems.

It’s hoped the situation will continue to improve as a mist has started to fall in the Tara Hill area.