Worrying night of gorse fires in Hollywood on Kildare border

Overnight gorse fires in the mountains around Hollywood on the Kildare border created a spectacular and highly unusual sight in February.

Kildare Fire Service worked alongside Wicklow Fire Service for several hours.

Raging blazes could be seen from Daly's Emo filling station on the N81 at Hollywood.

In the photos by Catherine Curley, the flames appear to be only hundreds of metres away.

The dry weather over recent days and the unseasonable warmth for the past four days has created tinderbox conditions in dense undergrowth.

Gorse fires are usually only a feature of drought-like conditions in summer months.

Catherine said: "Hollywood Village is out of control only just heard the brigades passing by now. Wishing them a safe night."

Wicklow Fire Service initially claimed that houses were under threat from the fires but the blazes were later brought under control.

Six fire crews were dealing with the fires at one point.

Wicklow Fire Service said:  "We had crews from 6 Fire Stations fighting gorse fires from the Dublin border to Hollywood where houses were under threat.

"Many thanks to Dublin Fire Brigade and Kildare Fire Service.

"Best advice in Smokey conditions is to stay indoors.’

"No injuries were reported."