Emergency services battling the fire in the Slieve Bloom Mountains are pleading with members of the public to avoid the area.
A statement released on the Offaly Fire and Rescue Facebook page said that the Cut Road is closed.
They said: “THE CUT ROAD IS CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT PASS ROAD CLOSED SIGNS.
“Firefighting still continuing on the Slieve Blooms. Remember that THE CUT ROAD IS CLOSED.
“PLEASE DO NOT PASS ROAD CLOSED SIGNS. We need access for firefighting vehicles.
“Your presence on this road delays the supply of water. Please help us out and stay away. Do not “go for a look”.
“We will update again and let you know when the road is open.”
Helicopters are once again in the sky this afternoon as they battle the latest fire to hit the Slieve Bloom mountains.
Less than 24 hours after it was reported the the fire on the Slieve Bloom mountains had been extinguished, flames and plumes of smokes were visible again from last night.
A large plume of smoke could be seen rising above the mountain in the general direction of Clonaslee.
The smoke was visible this time in Offaly from Killeigh to Tullamore and all the way to Kilcormac – and also in Portlaoise.
The fire was first reported on Wednesday afternoon between Kinnity and Cadamstown with Offaly Fire Services responding to the incident.
Firefighters left the scene late on Thursday night satisfied that the fire had been put out.
The damage to the area is said to be severe with groups such as Birdwatch Ireland alarmed at the harm caused to local wildlife.
SEE ALSO – Laois suffer heavy Meath defeat to end Leinster minor campaign
