Campers light fire beside gorse bushes in Curragh this eve despite warnings

A KildareNow reader sent a photo of a large camp-fire lit in an area of the Curragh this evening.

There are a number of people at the scene as well as vehicles and tents.

The Department of Agriculture issued an Orange Warning for forest fires this week and said today was the highest risk day.

Officials said: “Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.”

High temperatures, extremely dry vegetation and brisk wind conditions are a lethal combination.

Experts said the highest danger is in public amenity areas adjacent to urban centres and on areas of open land at risk from illegal dumping and burning of wastes.