Latest Bray Head gorse fire outbreak shuts famed cliff walk

Public asked not to take scenic route from resort town to Greystones due to smoke

Extensive smoke swirls around Bray Head in Co Wicklow tonight as the latest in a series of fires takes hold.  Photograph: Aidan Crawley
Extensive smoke swirls around Bray Head in Co Wicklow tonight as the latest in a series of fires takes hold. Photograph: Aidan Crawley

The public are being asked not to attempt the Bray to Greystones cliff walk on Tuesday night due to the latest outbreak of an ongoing gorse fire which is said to be extensive.

The latest blaze, which broke out on Bray Head at about midday, has led to severe smoke throughout the area and has caused traffic problems.

On social media, residents around south Dublin have reported being able to smell the smoke due to southerly winds.

Walks closed

Gardaí have closed off the upper and lower cliff walks to prevent access, emergency services said.

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Four fire brigade units are currently on site on Tuesday night tackling the fire, which is described as significant in size but which is not posing any threat to people or property. No injuries have been reported.

High winds in the area are compounding the situation.

Fire last week already scorched a considerable acreage of Bray Head.