Five appliances and 43 firefighters battled a gorse fire in Inishowen for almost 11 hours, the cause of which is still unknown.

Donegal County Council Fire Service confirmed that it Carndonagh and Buncrana Fire Brigades responded to a ‘wildland fire’ located at Annagh Clonmany on Thursday, April 23, at 8.25pm.

A spokesperson confirmed to the Journal : “Additional appliances were responded to provide a total of five appliances and one water tanker in conjunction with support vehicles. A total of firefighters attended the scene. “A substantial fire load was present with several homes in close proximity to a fast-moving, wind-driven fire. The spokesperson confirmed that ‘Compressed Air foam’ was used ‘to create a fire break at any homes in close proximity to the fire while operations were in progress.’ “The fire was brought under control at approximately 07:15hrs.” They confirmed that the cause of the ignition of the fire is ‘unknown’. Meanwhile, a Caravan Fire was also reported in close vicinity of Gleneely Village at 06.17am and was responded to by one appliance from Donegal County Council Fire Brigade.

"The fire was brought under control and extinguished.” The spokesperson added: “Wildfires can have catastrophic impacts on upland habitats and rural communities, putting homes, property and lives at risk. Donegal County Council would ask people to be vigilant in the coming days and to ensure all barbeques or potential causes of ignitions sources are extinguished. “Do not block any access point to upland roads or forests as fire brigade access may be required. “If you see a fire do not hesitate to contact the Fire Service at 999 or 112. “It should also be noted the burning of vegetation is currently prohibited.”

placeholder image — The fire came close to homes.

A Condition Orange High Fire Risk had been in place in Donegal from April 20 to 27, with the risk deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

Following Thursday’s fire, which could be seen for many miles around, multiple tributes were paid to the fire service and the other emergency services who attended the scene.