*STORY UPDATED AS OF 5PM*
The Kerry Fire Service was dealing with a gorse fire in highland areas in South Kerry for around five hours this morning.
The fire in the Sneem area last night threatened properties and Tahilla School, before moving into upland areas.
Units from the Kerry Fire Service also responded to gorse fires in several other parts of the county last night.
The Kerry Fire Service responded to a gorse fire in Tahilla, Sneem, at about 2:40 yesterday afternoon.
This fire threatened two houses and Tahilla School, before it was brought under control by the fire service.
Two units of the fire service from Sneem and Kenmare, and a water tanker from Killarney attended the fire.
It was brought under control by midnight with only some remaining fire on highland grounds.
The Kerry Fire Service again was called out at 12:45am but the fires were on highland areas which were not accessible in the dark of night, and at this stage they did not threaten properties or forestry.
The fire service was again called out to this fire at 7:30 this morning and was stood down at around noon.
Separately, the Kerry Fire Service attended gorse fires last night at Finnegan’s Cross in Kilcummin, Kilsarcon in Currow, Scartaglin, as well as in Lauragh.
One unit from the Listowel brigade is currently at the scene of a gorse fire in Aghabeg in Lixnaw.
The Kerry Fire Service is again reminding landowners that it’s illegal to burn land from 1st March to 31st August, and the burning of gorse and upland areas is a severe threat to wildlife and property.
It says any incidents of this illegal burning should be reported to gardaí.
