Gorse fires break out on Shielmartin Hill in Howth

Fire has again broken out on Howth, with smoke visible billowing from the Shimmering side of the head this evening.

Just two days ago a large blaze destroyed acres gorse and sent plumes of smoke across a large ares of Clontarf, Baldoyle and Malahide. Three units of Dublin Fire Brigade eventually brought the fire under control. A status orange “high” national forest fire warning was in place until midday on Monday.

Another recent outbreak, also on the southern slope of Howth burned for more then a week before being extinguished.

Thursday’s fire was noticed shortly before 5pm when white smoke could be seen from as far away as Sutton Cross. The source of the smoke appeared to be on the western escarpment of Shielmartin Hill, in the area close to Howth Golf Club.

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St Fintan’s Road which passes along the west side of Howth Head appeared to be particularly affected by smoke.

Photos taken by locals showed smoke billowing above the tree line, when viewed from the junction of Strand Road while higher on the head it looked as if some homes overlooking Dublin Bay could be threatened by fire.

Attempts to contact Dublin Fire Brigade were not successful.