Firefighters battle gorse fire near Crosshaven

Fire fighters have been battling a significant gorse fire in near Crosshaven in county Cork which caused concern for local residents in the area.

Crews from Cork City Fire Brigade as well as units from the Cork County fire services in Carrigaline, Crosshaven and Bandon have helped to fight the fire.

The Doyle Shipping Group has also deployed its firefighting escort tug, the DSG Alex, to fight the fire from the water. Its crew is using the vessel’s high-powered hoses to spray the cliff face from the water.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley said: “It’s an ongoing situation at the moment.

"The fire is at the end of a cul-de-sac, just below Fort Camden as you go over the bridge. It started near DeLuca’s."

She said there are currently two fire brigades at the scene.

"Hopefully they are getting the situation under control. Some residents on Point Road are concerned because embers have been travelling down towards the road, which is very narrow, and there are concerns about access for the fire brigade."

Ms Buckley said the fire is close to the water, adding that the cliff area is an easy place for a fire to take hold.