Hundreds of acres of forestry is under threat tonight in south Longford, following the outbreak of a major fire across bog terrain in the Clondra/Tarmonbarry area of the County shortly after 9pm.

Hundreds of acres of forestry is under threat tonight in south Longford, following the outbreak of a major fire across bog terrain in the Clondra/Tarmonbarry area of the County shortly after 9pm.

Several units of the fire brigade from Longford and Roscommon Fire Services including those from Longford town, Lanesboro and Strokestown are currently at the scene where firemen are endeavouring to bring the raging blaze under control.

Speaking to the www.longfordleader.ie, at the scene, a spokesperson for County Roscommon Fire Services said that they had received a call just after 10pm to attend the blaze which is currently heading towards the Newtownforbes area of Longford.

Longford Fire Services had also been alerted to the fire, just minutes prior to that. “We have four fire brigades here at the moment and it is a very serious fire, but we are hopeful that we will be able to bring it under control,” the spokesperson added. “The windy conditions are a major concern for us at the moment as they are causing the fire to spread. One of our other main concerns at the moment, as well, is for the protection of the forestry in this area.”

Gardaí from Longford town also attended the scene and there is currently heavy traffic en route to the blaze in the Fisherstown area of Clondra. More details in the morning.